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Visiting the Colosseum in Rome 2024: A Detailed Guide to Help you Plan Your Visit

Last updated: January 1, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 37 Comments

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome is probably high on your list of sightseeing priorities for your trip to the Italian capital. It’s a fantastic ancient structure which has stood at the heart of the city for over two millennia, and history practically seeps out of it.

Of course, you won’t be the only person with the thought of visiting. The Colosseum is one of the most popular attractions in Rome and has thousands of visitors a day. So many in fact, that in 2019 a visitor cap was imposed, limiting visitor numbers to 3,000 at any given time.

This means that it’s more important than ever to properly plan your visit to the Colosseum. If you don’t, especially in the busy summer months, you run the real risk of missing out on going inside and exploring this incredible building and learning first-hand about its history. Tickets regularly sell out, so you want to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

We’ve visited the Colosseum many times and based on our experiences visiting as well as our time exploring Rome and Italy in general, we wanted to share with you a detailed guide to help you plan your own Colosseum visit. We’ve visited on our own as well on different guided tours.

We’re going to share how to get Colosseum tickets, how long to visit for, our tips for the best guided tours of the Colosseum, the options you have for what to do at the Colosseum, how to skip the lines at the Colosseum, what to do if Colosseum tickets are sold out, and much more.

We’ll also share our tips for visiting the Colosseum, and some more practical information so you get the most out of your time. First though, let’s take a look at what exactly the Colosseum is and why it’s a must visit for your time in Rome.

An Overview of the Colosseum

Built during the height of the Roman Empire , in around 70 AD, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre ever built. In Italian, it’s called the C olosseo.

It was built primarily as a venue for spectators to watch events, most famously gladiator style combat matches. It also played host to battle re-enactments, executions, and theatre dramas. Some also believe it was used for mock sea battles although there is little evidence of this.

The name comes from the fact that it was built next to a gigantic statue of the Emperor Nero which was referred to as the Colossus of Nero, although this statue no longer exists. However, the name Colossus somehow ended up being transferred from the statue to the Colosseum, probably in reference to the large size of the amphitheatre.

When it was built, the official name of the Colosseum was the Flavian Amphitheatre, although it is believed that Romans of the time would have referred to it as the Amphitheatrum Caesareum. It’s also often referred to as the Coliseum, which is a general term for large outdoor stadiums.

The Colosseum was designed to house up to 80,000 spectators (although some say 40,000), putting it on a par with today’s modern sport stadiums. Average audience attendance for events was around 40,000, with attendees including everyone from emperors to working class people.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum continued to be used as a space for workshops and other events. In the 12th century it was used as a fortified dwelling by a wealthy family.

Unfortunately, a major earthquake in the middle of the 14th century caused serious damage, and parts of the Colosseum were destroyed. Over the years, the stone of the Colosseum was used for other buildings, leading to much of the structure disappearing.

It wasn’t until the mid 18th century that the value of the Colosseum was recognised, and efforts were put in place to protect it. It was deemed a holy place by the Pope, due to the many Christians who were believed to have died on the arena floor. However, evidence for this is also limited.

The church made efforts to protect the building, and reinforcements and repairs took place throughout the 19th century.

Today, the Colosseum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, and is visited by millions of people every year. It forms a part of the Historic Centre of Rome UNESCO world heritage site .

Where is the Colosseum

The Colosseum is in the heart of ancient Rome, near other impressive ancient structures like the Roman Forum and Circo Maximus.

The full street address of the Colosseum is Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Comune di Roma RM.

The Colosseum is a little way south-east of attractions like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Expect it to take around 25 minutes to walk from this part of the city to the Colosseum.

From the Vatican, it’s more like an hours walk to the Colosseum, so public transport, hop on hop off bus or a taxi is definitely going to save you some time.

How to get to the Colosseum

There are a number of options for getting to the Colosseum depending on where you are coming from.

From the popular area containing the Pantheon and out to Piazza Navona, where we often recommend folks look for accommodation, it’s around a 20 – 30 minute walk.

The Colosseum is also served by the Rome Metro , with the Colosseo stop being directly across the street from the Colosseum. Currently, Line B serves this stop.

There are also a number of bus routes that stop at the Colosseum. If you are using the Roma Pass or Rome and Vatican Pass (also known as the Omnia Rome and Vatican Card) these include public transport in the city, making this a cost effective option for getting to the Colosseum.

If you are using one of the Hop on Hop off bus services in Rome, the Colosseum is a stop for the majority of these services. A Hop on Hop of bus is included with the Rome and Vatican Pass, or you can buy a ticket for the HOHO bus here .

Finally, Rome has a lot of taxis, so you can use one of these to get to the Colosseum. Always ensure the meter is running when taking a taxi in Rome.

Colosseum Opening Times

The Colosseum is normally open every day of the year with the exception of the 1st of January and 25th of December.

It opens either at 9am or 8.30am depending on the time of year and usually closes an hour before dusk, which can be between 4.30pm and 7pm.

The last admission to the Colosseum is an hour before closing time.

You can see full opening times for the Colosseum on the official website here .

Note that sometimes public holidays and events can affect opening hours. For example, Republic Day (2nd June) normally involves a large parade, and the Colosseum is often only open on the afternoon on this day. So always check in advance before planning your visit.

What to see and do at the Colosseum

The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater ever built, and as you might imagine, there is lots to see here.

It is divided into a number of main areas. There’s the exterior of the Colosseum, which you can visit without a ticket just to see how impressive this building really is.

Inside the main sections are like a traditional amphitheater or more modern day theatre. There’s the seating section, which is spread across four main levels – with the higher quality seating closer to the arena floor.

There’s the arena area itself, although the floor for this was made of wood and the majority of this has long since perished. A small recreated section can still be seen to get an idea for how it would have looked.

Below the area where the arena was is the hypogeum. This large two storey part of the Colosseum, was originally entirely underneath the arena floor. This was where the combatants, animals and scenery pieces would have been kept.

It is said that in the first design for the arena, this area could be flooded and used for mock sea battles. However, there is little evidence to support this claim, and even if this did happen it was likely very impractical and quickly repurposed with the walls and holding pens as you see it today.

The hypogeum was originally covered by the arena floor, but as that is largely gone now, it is open to the air. So it is quite easy to see into as you tour the upper levels.

When visiting the Colosseum on a normal ticket you get access to first and second floors of the public spectator area, which gives you excellent views of the structure.

It’s also possible to book tickets and take guided tours that include the arena and underground areas. In mid-2021, the underground area that visitors can access expanded greatly following a two-year restoration project.

For a period there was also the possibility to go higher up to the fourth and fifth floors, but this area is under construction as of 2022 and it is unknown if the upper floors will reopen.

See our guide to ticket types and tours for more information.

Finally, it is worth noting that whilst not part of the Colosseum, all tickets to the Colosseum include same-day access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which is right next to the Colosseum. This is where the business of Rome happened, and should also be part of your visit.

You can visit the Roman Forum before visiting the Colosseum as long as you visit on the same day, and remember to observe the timeslot for your Colosseum entry.

How Long to Visit the Colosseum For?

We would suggest that you allocate at least 2 hours for visiting the Colosseum. As well as time spent exploring the actual structure, you also need to consider that it might take a bit of time to get through the security line.

When is the Colosseum Free in 2024?

The Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of the month. On these days, entry is on a first come first served basis with free tickets available at the ticket office in Piazza del Colosseo, located near the Temple of Venus and Rome.

In addition to the first Sunday, in some years the Colosseum has a number of free days each year. However, these have been put on hold as of 2021 and there has not been an update regarding free days for 2024.

For reference, in 2020, the following dates were free for visiting the Colosseum:

5th January 2020
2nd February 2020
1st March 2020
9th May 2020
5th June 2020
29th June 2020
23rd September 2020
4th October 2020
4th November 2020
18th December 2020

Note that on the free days, including the free Sunday each month, it is not possible to book a timeslot or reserve access. However, the limit of 3,000 people inside the building still applies.

This means that wait times can be very long and we would generally advise against visiting on the free days if you can help it, unless you are on a very tight budget and have lots of time to spare. In this case, go as early as you can.

Note that the majority of information in this post regarding timeslots, fast track entry and pricing do not apply on the free days. It’s just a question of showing up and waiting in line.

Do You Need a Ticket for the Colosseum?

Everyone visiting the Colosseum needs to be in possession of a ticket, or at least a reservation to visit. If visiting on one of the free days, you get a ticket on site on a first come first served basis.

There are a variety of ticket types available depending on what you want to see, and different prices apply for these.

Even those visitors eligible for free entry need to reserve a timeslot, including children who are eligible for free entry. We cover this process below.

How Much does it Cost to Visit the Colosseum?

Pricing for the Colosseum in 2024 is as follows:

€18 for adults
€4 for EU citizens aged 18-25
Free if under 18

There are a number of other concessions available which you can read about here .

Note that these are the prices if booked on the official website. Third party ticket sites tend to be slightly more expensive but are a good option if there is limited availability on the official site, as there sometimes is.

Third party sites are also a good option if you want to take a guided tour like this one or this one , which honestly is well worth it to understand what you are seeing. More on guided tours further on in this post.

All visitors, including those eligible for free entry, need to book a timeslot for entry.

If you are using the Roma Pass which includes entry to the Colosseum, then you just have to pay a €2 fee to reserve your timeslot online.

See more on how to reserve a time for the Colosseum in the section below on timeslots.

If you choose to take a guided tour of the Colosseum or want to visit some of the more special areas in the Colosseum, then this will cost more. For example, on the official website, a ticket which includes the Underground and Arena areas costs €22 (plus €2 reservation fee).

Where to Buy Colosseum Tickets

The first place to look when buying tickets for the Colosseum is the official ticket website . In our experience, this is where the best value Colosseum tickets are available.

You can normally purchase tickets on the official Colosseum website a month in advance. So, each day a new day is made available the following month.

There are many third-party websites that will sell you tickets for the Colosseum, however if all you want is the regular individual access without a guide or other access, then the official website is definitely where you should start.

For a long time, tickets on the official site were very hard to come by as they were bought up by automated systems for resale.

However, as of October 2023, all Colosseum tickets are nominative.

That means you need to give the name of the person who will be using the ticket when you purchase it. This name will be associated with the ticket, and you must present proof of identity for that name when entering the Colosseum.

Adding the requirement for a name and ID as part of the ticketing process has definitely improved ticket availability on the official site , so if you plan on visiting on your own without a guided tour, that would be my recommended first point of call.

If you do decide to just get a standard entry ticket rather than taking a guided tour, then I highly recommend picking up a guide book which includes details on the Colosseum like this pocket guide , or downloading a free audio guide which covers the Colosseum like this one from Rick Steves .

This will really help you navigate the site, as there is so much to see and it can be quite overwhelming otherwise.

If you are still struggling to find tickets, or would like to book a guided tour, read on.

Our next choice for Colosseum tickets would be either these options on the tiqets website or these options on GetYourGuide . We use both these sites for tickets in cities across Europe and it is worth checking them both as prices and availability can vary.

Note that the Colosseum requires third party sites selling Colosseum tickets to include them as part of a bundle. This means they can only sell tickets that include something else, like an audioguide or a tour. This makes them a little more expensive, but if you were planning on taking a tour or bundling some tickets for savings, this can certainly be a good option.

Colosseum access is also included on the Roma Pass and the Rome and Vatican Pass , although you do still need to book a timeslot with these passes.

You can see more on the different pass options that include the Colosseum further on in the post.

Another thing to note is that tickets bought from the official website cannot be refunded, nor can you change the date and time. Some third-party sites do allow for refunds and changes, so if this is important to you do check the terms when purchasing.

Finally, you can also purchase tickets for the Colosseum in person, either at Piazza del Colosseo or at Largo Salara Vecchia. These tickets are on a first come first serve basis for that day.

Personally, I would suggest booking in advance online rather than risking trying to get a ticket on site. However, if you can’t get a ticket for the day you want to visit, you can definitely try turning up early and trying to purchase a ticket on site instead.

Colosseum Tickets Sold Out? You still have options to visit the Colosseum!

If you are visiting Rome in the busier months, particularly over the summer and holiday periods, you might discover that there are no timeslots available on the official website, especially for the basic entry ticket.

However, there are still options available to you for visiting.

First, you might want to try some of the tickets available on the official website beyond the regular admission option. They are a little more expensive, but at least they might be available.

For example, there are tickets for the Colosseum which include an audio guide or a video guide. They are not guided tours, so you go into the individual entrance, but there is a different allocation for these tickets. You can get these tickets on the official website, or sometimes from here .

There are also tickets available on the official website which get you into more areas, like the arena, underground area, or Bellevue area. Again, these are a little bit more expensive, but you will experience more, and visit some of the less crowded area.

There are also exclusive evening tours of the Colosseum, but in our experience, these sell out even faster than the regular tickets due to limited availability.

If you are still struggling to get a Colosseum ticket, some websites we recommend you check are the following:

This Colosseum ticket page on the Tiqets website, or this one which includes the Mamertime Prison
This set of options for the Colosseum on GetYourGuide
This ticket which uses the group entrance to get you faster access. This takes advantage of the tour ticket pool, meaning you might be able to get entry even if individual tickets are sold out.

If you still can’t find a Colosseum ticket using the above sites, then you might consider a pass. For example the Rome and Vatican Pass and the Roma Pass both include entrance to the Colosseum.

With these passes you just need to pay a €2 booking fee and make a reservation on the official site. These reservations come from a different pool and so might have availability even if tickets are shown as sold out on the official site. Definitely check availability first (click “Roma Pass holders” on this site) before purchasing though.

Another option for Colosseum entry if Colosseum tickets are sold out is to take a tour. We think this is a good option, even if tickets are available, as you will learn a lot more about the site.

Tours vary in price, from more basic tours which just see the Colosseum, and others which are more in depth and include some other sights.

Two we recommend are:

This tour with Take Walks which includes arena floor access and the Roman Forum. We’ve done this tour and can highly recommend it.
This tour on GetYourGuide which includes the Roman Forum.

We very much suggest you use a reputable company like Take Walks (which we’ve used many times) when booking a Colosseum tour so you can be confident of a good experience with professional guides. We also have a more complete section on recommended tours further on in the post.

It’s a little more expensive than booking an individual ticket, but lower priced than most tours. Good if you just want to visit the Colosseum without a tour but can’t find an individual ticket option for the day and time you want.

Finally, if you absolutely cannot get Colosseum tickets, you might instead consider this ticket which will at least get you access to the Roman Forum, which is right next to the Colosseum and well worth visiting.

How to Schedule a Time for the Colosseum

If you are visiting the Colosseum as an individual, rather than as part of a pre-booked guided tour, then you need to schedule a time for your visit (except on the free days). Everyone needs to book a timeslot, regardless of age.

Scheduling a time for your visit to the Colosseum can be done on the official ticket website . When you purchase your ticket, you will be asked to select a time. You will only be able to buy a ticket for available times.

There are two other websites we recommend for booking the Colosseum. We suggest checking on both of these as the prices tend to vary.

It’s important to note that as of 2023, the Colosseum requires third-party sites to include an additional product when selling an entry ticket. So this might be a guided tour, or an audio guide, or something similar.

This does mean prices are a little higher than the official site, but you are getting more for your money and the availability tends to be a lot better as well.

First, we recommend checking the products on GetYourGuide here . These allow you to specify a time for entry and their tickets also normally include free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit. In our experience these products tend to have better availability.

Next, you can also book to visit the Colosseum on Tiqets here . It’s also little more expensive than the official site (although you get a 5% discount on their normal price with our link), but like GetYourGuide is a lot more user friendly in our experience.

Note that at busier times of year tickets sell out far in advance, so we advise booking your time as soon as you know when you will be visiting. Tickets are released on a schedule throughout the year, which varies depending on the ticket type.

If you are travelling with children who are eligible for free entry, you also need to reserve a timeslot for your entry, which you can do either on the official site (using the guidance for free entry), or you can reserve a fast-track entry for children on this website .

If you choose to buy the Rome Tourist Card for your time in Rome, which includes entry to the major attractions like the Vatican, St. Peters and Colosseum, you will pick your Colosseum entry time on purchase. This makes this pass very convenient and easy to use.

If you have the Rome and Vatican Pass or the Roma Pass , which include entry to the Colosseum you still need to schedule your Colosseum entry and pay the small online reservation fee. I highly recommend checking there is availability at the Colosseum booking website before you buy one of these passes.

Note that availability for holders of the Roma Pass is different from general availability. Even if the site shows sold out for general admission, there might still be slots available for those with a Roma Pass.

You can check timeslot availability on the official ticket website .

On that page, there is a section for “Roma Pass Holders”, with a link at the end of the section which lets you book the entrance time.

You will be presented with the ticket screen for booking your ticket.

Scroll to the bottom of the screen, where you can select the time of your visit. This is easier if you check “available only” to only show available times.

When you have picked the time of your tickets, you will be given the option to select a product. Scroll down and choose the “RESERVATION OF ADMISSION FOR ROMA PASS HOLDERS” product option to reserve your timeslot. Make sure to reserve one for each member of your group. The cost will be €2 each.

Note that the Roma Pass only has free entry to the first attraction visited with the 48h Roma Pass, and the first two attractions with the 72h Roma Pass.

This means that if you do not use the Colosseum as your free entry, you have to pay a reduced entry. This can also be done online, using the “reduced ticket for Roma Pass holders” option which costs €11.50 at time of writing.

We strongly recommend that you reserve your Colosseum timeslot as far in advance as possible as tickets do sell out.

Official Colosseum Website

If you search for the Colosseum, you will likely be presented with a swathe of sites to choose from, and it can be tricky to know which is the official website.

There are two official websites for the Colosseum, which are as follows:

Parco Archeologico del Colosseo: https://parcocolosseo.it/en/ – official information site for the Colosseum
Coop Culture: https://ecm.coopculture.it/ – official ticket site for the Colosseum

There are many other sites which provide information about visiting the Colosseum (including this one) but the above two sites are the only official sites that I am aware of.

Can you skip the lines at the Colosseum?

It’s possible to get much faster access to the Colosseum by reserving your ticket and timeslot in advance, but you can’t skip the lines entirely due to security checks and the need to validate tickets.

There are two main lines at the Colosseum for individuals – one for those with a booked timeslot and a ticket, and one for those who want to buy a ticket.

With your ticket and timeslot reservation, the former is the line you should aim for. Whilst it is fairly fast due to the timeslot system, there are still security checks to go through. In addition, if you are eligible for a concession or are a child, you will need to provide proof in the form of a government ID.

If you are using the Roma Pass to enter, you will need to show this as well as your timeslot reservation.

The official Colosseum website recommends that you turn up 30 minutes earlier than your reservation, and no later than 15 minutes after your reservation time. If you turn up before or after these times, you will likely not be granted entry.

The fastest way to access the Colosseum is often with a group, as groups have a separate entry and security check. See our section below on recommended tours for some ideas. Your tour guide will advise you as to the meeting point, and will then take you to the correct entrance.

One of the best value options we’ve found for using the dedicated tour entry is this one. This doesn’t actually include a tour, but you do get faster entry in the group line, as well as your Roman Forum / Palatine Hill entry.

Definitely one to consider if you want to get in quickly, but don’t want to pay too much for a guided tour.

Rome Passes that Include the Colosseum

There are a number of cards available for Rome which offer free or discounted admission to a number of attractions in the city. Some passes also have added benefits like public transport or audio guides to the city.

Which of these cards is best for you will vary depending on which sites you want to visit, how long you have in the city, and your budget.

Rome Tourist Card

The Rome Tourist Card includes entry to the Colosseum which you book when you buy the pass, making this one of the easiest passes for Colosseum entry. It also includes timed access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel as well as a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica.

You also get a discount on other attractions in Rome, as well as some nice audio tours of various sights in the city. If you want a pass which covers the essential sights and makes things hassle free, this is a great option. You can buy this pass online here .

The Roma Pass comes in a 48 hour and a 72 hour version. Both versions include free public transport access in Rome, as well as discounted entry to a wide range of attractions in the city.

The 48 hour pass includes free entry to the first site you visit, whilst the 72 hour pass includes free to entry to your first two visited sites. Obviously, we’d suggest making the Colosseum your first visited site with the 48 hour pass.

Remember that with the Roma Pass you do still need to reserve your Colosseum timeslot in advance on the official website, and pay the €2 reservation fee.

You should also be aware that whilst the Roma Pass does include entry to the Colosseum, this entry is not guaranteed just because you have the pass. If there are no timeslots available for visiting, you won’t be able to visit.

So if you know your dates, we suggest checking the available times on the official ticket website before buying your Roma Pass to be sure you’ll be able to visit, if this is a primary reason for buying the Roma Pass.

Rome and Vatican Pass

The Rome and Vatican Pass includes the Roma Pass as well as skip the line entry to the Vatican City attractions like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. This is our preferred pass if you are visiting Rome for 3 days as it includes the majority of he attractions in the city.

Entry to the Colosseum is included (as part of the Roma Pass part of the pass), but you do still need to reserve the timeslot in advance and pay the €2 reservation fee. The same caveat in terms of availability also applies to the Roma Pass.

The Rome and Vatican Pass also includes a Hop on Hop off bus, public transport, audioguides for many of the attractions, a guidebook to Rome, and lots more.

Best of Rome All Access Pass

The Best of Rome All Access Pass is a 3 day pass which includes fast track entry to the majority of sites in Rome, including the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.

It also includes an audioguide of the city. When you book, you specify a time for the Colosseum. Note this pass does not include any transport.

Options for Visiting Different Parts of the Colosseum

The Colosseum has a number of different options for visiting, with the main differences being which parts of the structure you have access to.

The basic access gets you entry to the main parts of the structure, and you will be able to explore many of the spectator stands, as well as see down into the arena. This is the lowest cost option, and is the most popular option for visitors.

You can also purchase tickets which will give you access to more exclusive parts of the Colosseum. These are slightly more expensive and are sold in lower quantities as there is less space. They also require an authorized guide.

There are two main areas you can visit, with our suggested options for visiting as follows. Note that depending on restoration and construction works, as well as any social distancing requirements, not all the tours are always available.

Colosseum Underground Tour, including Colosseum Arena Access

The Colosseum Underground Tour is an official tour sold through the Colosseum website which is offered in a number of languages including English .

The tour includes access to the arena area as well as the area underneath the Colosseum where the gladiators would prepare for battle. This area is known as the hypogeum, and it is a two story underground space.

Originally this would have been hidden under the arena, but as the floor above it has perished, it is well lit and visible.

This is a fully guided tour, and is an excellent option for anyone looking for a more in depth experience.

Note that this tour is very popular and can book up well in advance. If you want to take this tour, we highly recommend booking it far in advance. There are also some third party tour companies offering this tour, such as this one from Take Walks which also includes the Roman Forum .

We list more of these in our recommended tours section below.

Colosseum Belvedere Panoramic View Access

Up until around 2019, it was possible to book the Colosseum Panoramic View Tour which took you up to the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors of the Colosseum, which are not generally open to the public. The tour is also referred to as the Belvedere tour, which means “beautiful view”.

These floors offer you a spectacular panoramic view of the Colosseum from high above the ground, and are worth doing if you want a unique perspective of the arena.

As of 2022 this area is again closed to the public, and we will update this guide if this changes.

All tours which visit special areas also normally include access to the main part of the Colosseum as well, so you don’t need to buy them separately. Once your tour is complete, you can explore the other parts of the Colosseum at your leisure.

Do be aware that the official website does list cheaper tickets for the underground and arena areas, which do not include a tour guide.

These tickets are aimed at official tour companies rather than individuals. The tickets are only valid with an authorized guide, however a guide is not provided – you would need to arrange one yourself. As well as being authorized, the guide also needs to provide a list of everyone coming on official headed notepaper.

This is likely beyond the scope of most visitors to arrange, hence we suggest the guided options.

Note: different areas of the Colosseum can close for works. So do just be aware of this.

Practicalities for Visiting the Colosseum

Facilities at the colosseum.

The Colosseum has toilets on-site, although ideally you would want to go before your visit so as to avoid wasting time on site.

Otherwise, facilities are fairly limited. There’s no on-site luggage facilities, cafes, or restaurants. Although there are plenty of places to eat and get a coffee within a short walk of the Colosseum.

Security at the Colosseum

As with any major attraction, security is a major consideration. Security is similar to an airport, with metal detectors and bag scanners in place at all the entry points.

You can’t take any large bags or wheeled suitcases into the Colosseum, but small daypacks are normally allowed.

Items including bottles and glasses containers, alcoholic beverages and aerosols, backpacks, camping equipment, bulky bags, and luggage / trolley bags are also not permitted.

Accessibility at the Colosseum

Despite its age, the Colosseum has relatively good accessibility for those with reduced mobility. The main entrance is step-free, and there’s an elevator for disabled use to get up to the arena level. Accessible routes are clearly marked.

There are also accessible toilets, and audio and video guides are also available.

It is worth bearing in mind that the area around the Colosseum is cobblestones, which might be tricky for a wheelchair or those with a cane or walker.

Luggage storage Near the Colosseum

For security reasons, only medium to small backpacks can be brought into the Colosseum. Any other luggage is prohibited.

Ideally, you will leave your luggage at your hotel whilst you are out exploring Rome, but this is not always possible.

Instead, you will want to leave your luggage nearby. We recommend you check out Nannybag , which offers secure storage in locations across Rome. Just search for Colosseum in their search box to find locations closest to the Colosseum.

Tours of the Colosseum

The Colosseum is a big place to visit and there is a huge amount of history to understand here.

For that reason, we highly recommend visiting as part of a guided tour. This will really help you understand what you are seeing and get more of a sense of this incredible structure.

If you want to take a guided tour of the Colosseum, there are a number of tour options available to you. Tours range in price and size, from larger group tours that usually cost a bit less, right through to more premium small group and private tours.

A tour is also a good option if tickets for the Colosseum have sold out and you have been unable to book a timeslot for the Colosseum, as tour groups have their own ticket allocation.

So where to book a tour? Here are our recommended tour options for the Colosseum.

First, the official Colosseum website offers guided tours of the special access parts of the Colosseum, such as the arena, underground and panoramic views.

These tend to be some of the best value tours, however they also sell out very quickly. They also do not offer a general Colosseum tour, and in my experience, the website isn’t the easiest to navigate!

Our preferred tour company for guided tours in Italy is Take Walks (also known as Walks of Italy), and we’ve taken a number of their tours in Rome, including a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum . See our review of some of their Rome tours here .

They offer a number of tours, some of which focus on the Colosseum, and other which cover other parts of Rome as well. We recommend the following tours that they offer:

Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – we took a tour like this one, which covered the main sights of the Colosseum with Arena floor access, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, and taught us a great deal about what we were seeing
VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – this tour is similar to the above, but also include access to the underground parts of the Colosseum.
Rome In A Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center – a great option if you are short on time, this excellent value tour includes all the major highlights of the city across a busy day
VIP Colosseum At Night Tour With Underground & Arena Floor – if you’re looking for something a bit different (and a bit quieter!), this night time access tour offers a unique experience

Of course, there are many other operators offering Colosseum tours. We do recommend reading reviews and only going with a reputable company. Some suggested options to check out include:

This GetYourGuide tour of the Colosseum which includes access to the underground arena as well as a tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
This tour with Context Travel of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which can be booked as a private tour or small group tour. Note you get 10% off all Context tours if you book through our link)
This 3 hour walking tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
A private 3 hour walking tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

As you can see, there is no shortage of tours on offer – hopefully you will find something to suit. If you are looking for advice about a tour, feel free to leave us a comment at the end of this post.

Tips for Visiting the Colosseum

We’ve been lucky enough to visit the Colosseum a number of times on different visits to Rome, and have visited individually and on guided tours. Based on our experiences visiting, we wanted to share some tips to help you plan your own visit.

Which Colosseum ticket to buy?

If you would prefer to buy an individual ticket for your visit to the Colosseum, then we suggest either the official website here (usually cheapest but not always the easiest website to navigate), the Tiqets website here (using our link saves you 5% on their price), or the GetYourGuide website here .

If you are planning on visiting a number of sights in Rome, perhaps from one of our Rome itineraries , then we recommend purchasing either the Roma Pass or the Rome and Vatican Pass . These will give you entry to a number of other attractions in the city, as well as free public transport.

With these cards, you just need to pay the €2 fee to reserve your timeslot, which you can do online. It is also possible to do it in person for free, but we advise against this as times fill up quickly.

If skip the line access is your priority, then we’d suggest this good value option which gets you in via the group entrance, which is usually the fastest way to get into the Colosseum.

If you’re looking for a guided tour that will be more comprehensive and last a bit longer, then we suggest this tour from Take Walks .

Consider a Guided Tour or Audio / Video guide

There is a great deal of history in the Colosseum, and it’s not always easy to understand what all the different parts are that you are looking at.

To be honest this statement could be extended to many of Rome’s attractions!

We definitely think that the best way to see many of Rome’s sights is on a guided tour, and the Colosseum is no exception. These do cost a bit more than just buying a ticket, but we think they are well worth it.

If you don’t want to take a guided tour, then we suggest considering either an option that include an audio or video guide. Failing that, at least consider picking up a detailed guide book which has lots of information in to help you understand what you are looking at.

What to Bring

We would suggest bringing as little as possible to the Colosseum in order to minimize your time in security. You are not allowed to bring large bags or wheeled suitcases, but day packs are allowed. Glass bottles and alcohol containers are also not permitted.

We’d suggest bringing just your daily essentials that you might need for exploring the city. These will likely include a bottle of water, suncream, a hat, your camera / smartphone, map of the city, and some spending money.

You should also bring government issued photo ID, such as your passport or driver’s license, in case you need to prove who you are when showing your ticket. This is particularly important for children, students, and anyone else using a concession ticket.

Plan your Day in Advance

Hopefully the theme of properly planning your trip to the Colosseum is coming across well in this guide to visiting!

We would suggest that to make the most of your time at the Colosseum and Rome in general, that you put together a general itinerary for what you want to see each day. This will help you ensure you see everything you want.

Once you have an idea of your itinerary, we highly recommend booking all your tickets in advance, which will save time and ensure you skip the long ticket lines.

If that sounds like too much work, then we instead recommend taking one of our suggested guided tours to get the most out of your time in the city, letting you enjoy yourself, and letting someone else worry about the planning!

Be Wary of on Site Touts

Like many attractions around the world, the Colosseum has a fair number of touts selling various things, from photos with a “Gladiator” (they will always expect to be paid), to tickets for entry.

If you already have an entry ticket from the official site, and need assistance for any reason, look for the CoopCulture staff. A commenter has pointed out that these will only be on site during opening hours, so if you arrive earlier than opening, it is easy to be misled by other official looking ticket sellers who will likely try to sell you a tour.

Whilst these might be legitimate sellers of guided tours, if you already have an entry ticket then you should just head for the entrance and await opening, at which point there will be official staff available to assist you.

If you have bought a ticket from a third-party site or for a tour, read the instructions carefully regarding where to go. It should give detailed information, as well as how to identify your guide if you have one.

Be very wary purchasing tickets on site from touts. As of October 2023, all tickets need to have a name on them that matches an official ID, presented when you go through the ticket barrier.

Skip the Free Days

It can be tempting to think about visiting the Colosseum on the days when entry is free.

However, what you save in money you lose in time and crowds. The Colosseum tends to be very busy on the free days, and tickets are only available in person at the site. These are on a first come first served basis, which means you can spend a great deal of time standing in line.

Visiting with a ticket and a timeslot will guarantee you your entry, and save you wasting time. If you are in Rome for a prolonged period of time, then this is likely less of a concern, but for those of you visiting over a few days, we’d suggest it isn’t worth the saving in most cases.

Attractions Near the Colosseum

The largest major attraction near the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, and your Colosseum ticket gets you entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well.

Note that many third party websites advertise this as a bonus feature, but the reality is that every ticket to the Colosseum includes access to the Roman Forum.

Also be aware that the standard ticket only has access for 1 day. In the past it was valid for 2 days, and many websites still incorrectly state this. Unlike the Colosseum, there is not currently timed entry for the Roman Forum.

It’s also worth noting that there are various tickets for the Roman Forum. The ticket which comes with the Colosseum gets you into the main part of the Forum.

There is also a “S.U.P.E.R.” ticket, which can be purchased separately on the official site here , which gives access to a number of additional sites inside the Forum.

These vary depending on archeological works, but usually include the Palatine Museum, House of Augustus, Aula Isiaca, Santa Maria Antiqua, Curia Iulia, Domus Tiberiana, Domus Transitoria and Livia’s House.

There are a number of other attractions within easy walking distance of the Colosseum. These include the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla and the Capitoline Museums.

For more inspiration to plan your time in Rome, see our detailed itineraries for spending 1 day in Rome , 2 days in Rome and 3 days in Rome , all of which include a visit to the Colosseum.

Where to Stay Near the Colosseum

Rome has a huge number of accommodation options across the city. We usually recommend staying in the area around the Piazza Navona as that’s within walking distance of everything from the Colosseum to the Vatican City.

However, it’s also possible to stay right next to the Colosseum if you prefer. Some properties even have Colosseum views!

Here’s our pick of some of the best hotels and other accommodation options where you can stay near the Colosseum.

Colosseo Guesthouse – One of the best value hotel options near the Colosseum, this guesthouse offers en-suite air conditioned rooms with city views and breakfast included.
B&B Colosseo Panoramic Rooms – Found directly across from the Colosseum, it’s hard to imagine finding anywhere closer. This B&B offers air conditioned rooms with en-suite facilities, flat screen TV’s and breakfast for a good price
Relais Terme di Tito – just 100 yards from the Colosseum, this design hotel in a historic building has wonderful rooms which feature air conditioning, minibars and en-suite facilities
FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino – a five minute walk from the Colosseum, this four star hotel has en-suite air conditioned rooms, soundproofing, inclusive breakfast and an on-site restaurant
Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – Relais & Chateaux – one of the best 5* properties near to the Colosseum, this hotel has an incredible rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Colosseum. Rooms are en-suite with air-conditioning featuring TV’s, minibar and a tea/coffee maker. An excellent luxury option near the Colosseum

Of course, there are other options for accommodation in Rome beyond the above. We recommend checking out all the listings on booking.com for Rome to start with.

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve booked them for trips around the world and always had a great experience, and you can read our full review of Plum Guide here . See their listings for Rome here .

If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB which you should check out!

There are 37 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Costa Lima says

4th March 2024 at 4:45 am

Thanks for the information!

You have clarified a lot!

I still have some doubts though. I hope you can help me:

https://ecm.coopculture.it/index.php?option=com_snapp&view=event&id=7D8772B8-1D4C-5766-0483-016CAFC55142&catalogid=577EE60C-C16D-67DA-4942-017C7D6D0AED&lang=en

In the link above, I am currently trying to guarantee a visit to the Coliseum for a group of 4 adults and a baby and also trying to guarantee the Roman Pass. I think I need to purchase like this:

4 (FOUR) RESERVATION ROMA PASS 72H WITH ENTRANCE 5 (FIVE) RESERVATION OF ADMISSION FOR ROMA PASS HOLDERS

Is this correct? I think I don’t need the Roman Pass for the baby, but I must reserve the admission, right? Hence the four reservations for the PASS and the five for the admission.

Furthemore, I understood from what I just read that I will have access to the forum & palatine with the ticket for the Coliseum, but can I start from the forum/palatine? Do you recommend doing so? I heard it’s better because it will be downhill.

Laurence Norah says

4th March 2024 at 3:09 pm

It’s my pleasure! So you are correct, if you want to visit with the Roma Pass, then you can purchase both the Roma Pass and the reservation at the same time from the Coliseum website. Your selection looks correct to me.

In terms of the Forum vs Coliseum first, it is up to you. The Forum does not have a timed entrance, but the Coliseum does, so most people do the Coliseum first so they know when they are going in. However you can do it the other way round of course. The hill is not very big from the Coliseum to the Roman Forum anyway, however another advantage if you do it the other way round is that you can use a different entrance to the Forum. There are a few entrances, and the ony next to the Coliseum is usually the busiest as most people exit the Coliseum and go straignt to the Forum.

Anyway, have an amazing time in Rome and let me know if you have any more questions!

Jeff Street says

3rd June 2022 at 4:38 pm

Hi Guys! This is a really informative blog. Thank you so much! I am traveling as part of a group of 11 on our way to Jerusalem. We have an 11 hour layover in Rome (Fiumicino) and I would like to take them to see the Colosseum and then head back to the airport. Do you have any advice / tips for me? Thank you so much! Jeff

3rd June 2022 at 4:57 pm

Thanks very much! So this should definitely be do-able. It’s around an hour by bus / shuttle from Fiumcino to central Rome. A shuttle bus like this is probably going to be the best value, although you might be able to find a bus company that will take all of you to Roma Termini, from where it’s a 20 minute walk to the Colosseum.

I’m not sure if you wanted to do a tour of the Colosseum or just self service. Whichever though, as there are quite a few of you I would definitely recommend booking well in advance. The Colosseum has limited numbers of tickets available per day. The lowest price is nearly always available by booking direct on the offcial site. If you wanted to take a tour, there are a few recommendations in this guide.

Remember that admission to the Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum, so do visit there as well. Depending on your group and how organised you are, you would also likely have time to do some sightseeing in the area before returning to the airport for your flight.

My main tip is just to book everything in advance and make sure you all have a means of communicating with each other or at least having a fall back meeting point at a certain time. Otherwise, this should be very do-able 🙂

Enjoy Rome!

Jessica says

6th March 2022 at 5:07 pm

Thanks for all the information Do you now if I buy a time slot ticket for the colisseum can I visit de Roman Forum and the Paltine before entering the coliseum? thank you.

7th March 2022 at 12:02 pm

Hi Jessica,

Yes, you should be able to visit the Roman Forum prior to entering the Colosseum. The default ticket is valid for 1 day and you can enter one before the other. Obviously you’ll still need to observe the timeslot on your Colosseum ticket.

Let me know if you have any questions and have a great time in Rome!

Edmund Chue says

4th August 2020 at 9:18 pm

A great comprehensive guide to visiting the Colosseum. I would like to share a potential pitfall for those who already have existing tickets purchased from the official website for the earliest opening timing slot of the day. At the Colosseum area, only take instructions from the actual CoopCulture staff. Their uniform is all black. Only listen to them. Beware of those people wearing blue jackets with the words ” Colosseum official skip the line “. These people are touts from some unspecified sources and they will tend to purposely give false information to these who have already pre-booked or have the passes. Whether intentional or not, their attire are very misleading in denoting their actual identities. These touts will purposely mislead those who already got prior tickets and may send you going back and forth. For visitors who arrive at the entry gate early, before opening time, the actual CoopCulture staff have still not been stationed for work and only these misleading people will be mingling around.

5th August 2020 at 11:20 am

Thanks for sharing your experience, this is definitely unfortunate to hear. I will add a section on this to the guide to help future visitors 🙂 I hope you were still able to enjoy your visit!

William Cheriegate says

11th February 2020 at 7:44 pm

The 37 Euro tickets for > Underground & Level III official tour:

You mentioned “If you are interested in both the underground and the panoramic view, there is also a tour which includes both of them.”

Is the Level III the same as the “panoramic view”? There are 5 levels so I’m bit confused. Thank you VERY MUCH.

11th February 2020 at 11:52 pm

Hi William,

Yes, Level 3 is the same as panoramic view, which is also often referred to as the Belevedere tour (belvedere means “beautiful view”). The tour should include access to levels 3-5, but the official website is a little opaque on this unfortunately. They also keep changing what they call the tour to make life more complicated. Currently it is the “FULL EXPERIENCE + UNDERGROUND AND LEVEL III”. There’s a little bit more information here: https://www.coopculture.it/events.cfm?id=6

But it’s in Italian only, so you would need to translate it. The clue is at the end, where it says “the elevator is not used to reach the third, fourth and fifth ring”. So even though the fourth and fifth levels are mysteriously omitted in the description of the tour, they should be included!

Have a great trip 🙂

11th February 2020 at 11:57 pm

Just to update this, I just found on the official ticket website that access to Levels 4 & 5 is temporarily suspended (you can see this in the bolded text in the right hand column here: https://www.coopculture.it/en/events.cfm?id=6 )

So the tour will only go up to Level 3 until this reopens, I’m not sure when that will be!

12th February 2020 at 3:15 am

Bravo, grazie mille.

9th January 2020 at 10:21 pm

Hi there, I’m going to Rome in a month and just bought my Colosseum time reservation and the Roma Pass. Do you know where I go to pick up the Roma Pass at the Colosseum? My reservation is the first one in the morning (8:35) so I don’t know if it will be crowded at that point. Or, can I pick up my Roma Pass at the airport when I arrive, even though I bought it through the Colosseum website?

Thanks for your help! Erin

10th January 2020 at 10:49 am

Normally when you buy a Roma Pass you would pick it up at any of the official pick up points, which are the tourist infopoints around the city and at the airports. These are as follows:

PIT Castel S. Angelo, Piazza Pia (next to the gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo), 8.30am – 18.00pm till 24/03, 9.30am – 7.00pm till 27/10. PIT Ciampino, Aeroporto G.B.Pastine – External area International Arrivals. 8.30am – 6.00pm. PIT Cinque Lune, Piazza delle Cinque Lune (Piazza Navona). 9.30am – 7.00pm. PIT Fiumicino, Aeroporto Leonardo Da Vinci – International Arrivals – Terminal T3. 8.00am – 8.45pm. PIT Fori Imperiali, Visitor Center Via dei Fori Imperiali. 01 January-30 June and 01 September-31 December: 9.30am – 7.00pm – 01 July-31 August: 9.30am – 8.00 pm. PIT Minghetti, Via Marco Minghetti (corner to Via del Corso). 9.30am – 7.00pm. PIT Sonnino, Piazza Sidney Sonnino (Trastevere). 10.30am – 8.00pm. PIT Termini, Stazione Termini – Via Giovanni Giolitti, 34, platform 24. 8.00am – 6.45pm.

However, on the Colosseum website for the Roma Pass, it says (and I quote directly)

THE CARD CAN BE COLLECTED AT THE TICKET DESK OF PALAZZO MERULANA, VIA MERULANA 121, NEAR THE COLOSSEUM, OPEN FROM 08:30 TO 21:00 FROM WEDNESDAY TO MONDAY. ON TUESDAY, DAY OF CLOSURE TO THE PUBLIC, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO COLLECT THE ROMA PASS CARD RINGING THE BELL TO THE STREET NUMBER 121, FROM 10:00 TO 17:00.

So it looks like you have to pick it up at Palazzo Merulana, which opens at 8.30.

I’m not sure what time you arrive at the airport, but if it is the previous day then I would try to pick up your pass then. All the Roma passes are the same, so in theory as long as you have a collection code you should be able to pick it up, however I have not tried buying the Roma Pass from the Colosseum website so I cannot be 100% sure. I don’t see why not though.

I would definitely appreciate it if you could let me know what option you choose and how it works for you so I can know for the future!

Apologies not to be of more help

1st October 2019 at 12:21 pm

I like ur blog. thanks for all infmormation. I would like to ask about 1st Sunday of the month. Free entrance to Colosseum – possible to get to level I. and III. this day ?

Thank you for your time.

4th October 2019 at 7:28 pm

Unfortunately not, the underground and Belvedere areas are not open on the free Sundays according to the official website,

Nicole says

15th September 2019 at 11:36 pm

Very helpful article! I am looking at the official ticket website and if I want to see every part of the Colosseum (main areas, underground and upper levels) would the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine regular entrance+Undergrounds and Level III English tour be the one to purchase? I’m confused as to why it says Level III, but not 4 or 5. Also, does this tour include a guide? My apologies, but there seem to be many options and I want to make sure that I choose the correct one!

16th September 2019 at 8:36 am

Thanks very much, and I definitely appreciate the official website is confusing – I’ve spent far too long trying to figure it out myself! The tour you want is indeed what you say. There’s a more detailed description of it here: https://www.coopculture.it/en/events.cfm?id=6 (I believe this is the same tour!). It only says Level III but I believe it also goes higher than this. However, the description on the ticket page is certainly lacking. It does include a guide yes 🙂

I hope this helps – have a great trip to Italy!

rebecca says

7th November 2019 at 9:01 pm

First of all, I love the post and appreciate how comprehensive and informative it is. Thank you! I was trying to reserve the tour that covers all aspects of the Colosseum (including the underground and arena portion) as well, but there was not a specific tab for Roman Pass holders in making a time/date reservation. There is a tab that says “free ticket and guide” for 2 Euros and then a tab for “free ticket but 15 Euros for guide.” Is the guide price included in the Roman Pass? Not sure what to select…

Thank you so much!

8th November 2019 at 9:16 am

Thanks very much. So, as far as I know the Roma Pass only allows for normal access which doesn’t include a guide. That’s thee €2 ticket you see.

If you want access to the other areas like the arena, underground and upstairs, that is a separate ticket entirely and I don’t think the Roma Pass can be used towards that. It’s currently €33 on the Co-opculture website for that tour (it’s called Colosseum, Roman Forum And Palatine Regular Entrance+Undergrounds And Level III English Tour).

As far as I know you can only use the Roma Pass for the standard entry. Any guided tours or access to other areas will require you to buy a whole new ticket and not use the Roma Pass.

I hope this helps a bit!

Stacey says

30th August 2019 at 5:16 am

Thanks for such a detailed post. So, I am traveling with my mum and brother from the U.S. I really do want a guided tour but knowing my brother, he would want to see the underground. From the official site, I see that the guided tour of the underground only covers the underground OR also access to the upper floors not the colosseum itself. Which do you think is best? Do a guided tour of the colosseium itself or a guided tour of the upper floors and underground with an audio tour of the colosseium and forum etc? Thanks.

30th August 2019 at 6:20 am

So you still get access to the Colosseum but yes, the tour part doesn’t cover the main Colosseum area. It’s really up to you what you do – I definitely think either an audioguide or a guided tour inside the actual Colosseum is really worth it as it can really help you understand it.

One option to consider, depending on your budget, is this tour , which is a guided tour that includes the Colosseum and the underground, as well as a guided tour of the Forum.

Otherwise, the next best option would be a the underground tour from the official site, and then adding in an audioguide.

I hope this all helps – have a great trip!

james ballas says

24th August 2019 at 11:47 am

Going to Rome in September . I reserved a time slot . Received the email confirming everything. It did have an option to print tickets but it was disabled. I have to go to the reservation desk with the confirmation to pick up tickets . Does this seem right?

25th August 2019 at 2:06 pm

Did you book through the co-opculture site (the official site), and were you using Roma Card? I believe normally the ticket is printable online, so I’m not sure what might have happened there, but it would depend on the answer to the question 🙂

Jasmin says

18th August 2019 at 12:26 am

Wow just wow! I can’t believe how detailed all the informations you guys provided. I just went from zero knowledge of Colosseum to ‘I know exactly what to do now’. Thank you so much for sharing!!

18th August 2019 at 10:00 am

Hi Jasmin! Our pleasure – delighted to be able to help 🙂 Let us know if you have any questions, and have a great time in Rome!

Grimsa says

11th July 2019 at 5:08 am

The guide was absolutely helpful while going there…Thanks a lot!!

12th July 2019 at 4:19 am

My pleasure, thanks for letting me know!

Neil godden says

7th July 2019 at 3:41 pm

Thanks Laurence and Norah I am currently travelling for 8 months with my wife and four kids and head to Rome on our way back from India. Your blog is very informative and I only wish I had found it sooner! Just to confirm, if I buy tickets through ticket bar for 2 adults I will be able to buy our children’s tickets at the Colosseum? The official website is a bit confusing! Thanks in advance. Neil

9th July 2019 at 3:41 pm

The official website is very confusing yes. I think ticketbar sell the children’s tickets as well. I have also been told that you can get children’s tickets as you go through the line, but I don’t travel with children so I haven’t as yet been able to test this, and I have not heard back from anyone who has tried. I did call them, and was told that you can get them as you go through, but again, I haven’t personally been able to verify.

Have a great trip, and do report back with your experience if possible!

5th June 2019 at 8:16 pm

Hi. I was reading your blog and I decided to buy two tickets from ticketbar.eu for the 50 mins audio/video guide tour of the Colosseum. I was wondering if the ticket they emailed me after actually works. Thank you!

6th June 2019 at 12:42 am

We are confident that it will work, it is the same ticket that you can buy from the Colosseum directly. It should have a timeslot for your entry. Ticket bar are a company that we have used in a number of cities in Europe and we have not had any problems. If you have any questions about the ticket though you should be able to to contact them and I’m sure they will help. If you have any problems let us know.

Enjoy your time in Rome!

Gautam Shetty says

27th May 2019 at 4:52 pm

Thanks a lot Laurence. Really appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks for the clarification around the Omnia card. By the way if I do wanna go to St Peter’s Basilica and visit the dome (which everybody goes gaga about) would the Omnia Card help me fast track the line or is that something the 24 hr Omnia Card does not help with and i’ll have to hit the queues

27th May 2019 at 6:42 pm

Hey Gautum!

My pleasure. For the dome, it is worth it, but the Omnia card won’t get you access. There’s a queue inside that you have to join, and this is also a separate payment. This normally isn’t too long, but at some times of year and day it can be very busy. Last time I was there they didn’t accept card payments, only cash. It’s a long walk up, but the view is amazing, and it is definitely worth it.

29th May 2019 at 11:24 am

I managed to go through to the Colosseum this morning. Unfortunately, as you suspected, you will have to pay the difference at the ticket office at the Colosseum. My advice would be to try the Roman Forum ticket booth as there should be less of a line. Alternatively, you might consider getting a specific ticket just for the Colosseum.

I have updated the post with this information to help others,

Have a great trip!

26th May 2019 at 5:02 pm

Hi. Your blog is absolutely fantastic and I really appreciate the detail with which you have provided information for folks like us who intend to visit Italy for the first time. I had a couple of question though regarding the booking of tickets for the Colosseum.

My wife and I plan to visit Rome for two days next month. I have bought the Roma Pass and although I was hoping the Colosseum would be the first attraction on the first day for us, I have managed to get a booking only at 5:30 pm on the second day(There was no other timeslots available for either day). Now with us probably using the first day to visit the Vatican instead (via the Omnia Pass) and probably using the second day to sight see other museums/ archaeological sites in Rome (where I’d use up the only free entry the Roma Pass for 48 hour offers) what would I have to pay at the Colosseum i.e the entrace fee for two individuals at a discounted rate (cause I have purchased a Roma Pass)? Secondly I would have to pay this amount at the Ticket Counter which means I would have to get there much earlier than the 30 mins just to ensure i don’t miss my time slot?

I had another question regarding the Omnia Pass. The 24 hour pass states ‘Priority entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel’, ‘Entry to St. Paul’s Basilica and Cloister’. Does this mean free entry or is there a fee for entry here as well? Would really appreciate you helping us out by giving us clarity on these…

26th May 2019 at 5:22 pm

Thanks very much, I am delighted to have been able to help. Let me see if I can answer your questions 🙂

So – first, if you have the Roma Pass, I assume you went to the co-opculture site to reserve your timeslots following the instructions in this post? In which case it would have cost you €2 per adult to reserve your timeslots.

Your question is now what the procedure is for paying as you will have used up the free entry for the Roma Pass, and are only eligible for the discounted ticket. Normally you would have to go to the ticket office to get the ticket, but you are correct, this might take a long time. This is also not clearly explained anywhere, so I am not certain as to the procedure. I have two ideas.

First, I will contact the Colosseum and try to find out the answer for you. Second, my advice in terms of getting the reduced ticket would be to get this from the Roman Forum ticket office. The tickets are valid for entry to both locations, and there is usually much less queue at the Forum. However, I do not know if they are able to issue a ticket if you already have a timeslot. Again, I will try to clarify this for you. This whole system is new for 2019 and it is taking time for the information to become available.

For the Omnia Pass, there is free entry to the Vatican Museum, which is included on the pass. St. Paul’s (note, different to St. Peter’s) is free to visit, and there’s not usually a line either. The cloister has a small fee, but it should be free with the card.

I hope this helps. I will try to get to the bottom of using the Roma Pass for discounted entry and update this comment and the post soon!

How to visit the Colosseum in 2024: all you need to know

How to visit the Colosseum in 2024 (updated December 2023). The best Colosseum tickets , recommended Colosseum tours + practical, sanity-saving tips for visiting the Colosseum, Rome. When to go, how to book, what to wear: all you need to know for a perfect visit.

The Colosseum is one of the most visited attractions in the world and, by far, the most popular monument in Rome .

As such, planning a visit to it is not difficult, offers of tickets and tours are all over the web.

However, some tips for visiting the Colosseum can come in handy.

Being as busy as it is, knowing what to expect and being prepared will go a long way to make your trip to this gem of the ancient world as easy and relaxing as possible.

I love the Colosseum and visit often: it is one of those attractions you never tire of! On this page, you will find my best tips for visitors.

If visiting with children, read >>> how to visit the Colosseum with kids

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.

Table of Contents

Visiting the Colosseum: address and transport

Colosseum Address: Piazza del Colosseo
Nearest metro stop: Colosseo, just in front
Buses: 117, 51, 75, 85, 87, 3 (tram). All the buses serving Piazza Venezia are also convenient as just a 7-minute walk from the Colosseum
Opening hours: see below

How to visit the Colosseum: opening hours

Colosseum opening hours depend on the season.

According to the official website, standard the Colosseum opening hours for 2023/24 are:

26 March to 31 August: 9am to 9.15pm (last entrance at 6.15pm)
1 September to 30 September: 9am to 7pm
1 October to 30 October: 9.00am to 6.30pm
31 October to 31 December: 9.00am to 4.30pm

In the good season, the Colosseum also has night opening called ‘Luna sul Colosseo’, available on selected days only.

Colosseum special days, closures and need to know

Entrance to the Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of the month. On these days, tickets can only be acquired at the Colosseum ticket office, on a first come first served basis.

The Colosseum is also free on the 2nd June (Republic Day) and the 4th November.

The Colosseum is closed on the 25th December (Christmas day) and the 1st January (new years)

Need to know! Big events such as the Pope’s Via Crucis on Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) usually affects access to the Colosseum. This is not always announced with good notice but has affected ticket holders with last minute cancellations. Because of this, I recommend you do not book a ticket for the Colosseum on Good Friday (29th March 2024) , based on the experience of cancellations from the last couple of years.

The best tickets for visiting the Colosseum

There are several types of tickets you can choose from, all sold by the official Colosseum ticket concession. The concession is the ONLY ticket provider: any other platform / tour operator is a reseller of those tickets.

The official ticket concession of the Colosseum is changing hands in 2024: there don’t be surpised if, in the coming months, you will see changed to the look of the ticket platform and the type of tickets available. I will endeavour to keep this post up to date as changes roll out.

The table below is a quick overview, but you can also find my full guide to the best tickets for the Colosseum here .

This is us during our last Colosseum visit

Tips for visiting the Colosseum, tip 1: book online

The Colosseum has a good online booking system that allows to buy timed entrance tickets.

These tickets mean you can avoid the very long lines at the ticket office on site (newly reopened in May 2023).

Colosseum tip 2: understand its booking system

Colosseum tickets are released 30 days ahead of your desired date and go fast, even instantaneously.

They are so sought after that big companies use bots to secure them as soon as they come out, leaving the normal buyer empty handed.

To try and secure them, it is useful to understand how the system works.

I have written here >>> full guide to get Colosseum tickets but, at a glance, this is what you need to know:

There is only one company issuing Colosseum tickets and this company in 2023 is called Coopculture (this is about to change in early 2024). Everyone else is a reseller
Tour operators have the same access to tickets as individual visitors; therefore, they can only secure tickets after they come out for sale. if booking very much in advance, ask your tour operator what guarantees they offer in terms of access
Be patient and keep checking the Coopulture site, if you decide to go on your own. Tickets come out for sale 30 days before and then again in batches during the 30 day window until the day of your visit. It is worth checking regularly as new batches of tickets do come out.

You can find here >>> my full guide to buying Colosseum tickets from the official seller directly

To maximise the change of getting tickets, I highly recommend you book your tickets as soon as possible, especially if going to Rome from April to the end of October , the busiest months for tourism in Rome.

Colosseum tip 3: decide what you want to see

The Colosseum is organized in several parts and which one/ ones to see depends on your interest, party and time available.

Not all tickets allow access to all areas: choosing in advance what is and is not interesting for you will allow you to make an informed choice.

The things to see in the Colosseum are:

General access : this is the most basic ticket, and it allows entrance to the Colosseum and its exhibition. With these tickets you can see the Colosseum inside but cannot step onto the area nor access the underground area.

The arena floor : this is the main area, the stage of the theater.

Here you can stand where the gladiators used to stand, see the original seats and get a glance of the underground area, excavated just below the arena.

Good to know : tickets to the Colosseum’s area are hard to come by. The best option it to secure them via a good operator such as LivTours. Find their offer >>> here <<< .

The underground part of the Colosseum is where props and animals were kept, as well as the area where gladiators used to wait for their turn.

This is the most interesting area if you want to learn about the inner workings of the Colosseum.

The tour in this area is the one that taught us the most: you can read all the fun and interesting facts we learned here.

The best ticket I have found for this area is the Full Experience Ticket sold by Parco Colosseo.

This comes in two types:

‘Accompanied’ which means a member of staff will help you identify points of interest and operate a free app with into

‘Educational’, which is a guide tour with a real life guide – this is the one I recommend!

Need to know : These tickets have become exceptionally hard to come by. Read here >> our tips for visiting the Colosseum underground

The top tier is the most scenic of all the areas of the Amphitheater.

This is a wonderful area if you want to also catch views above the Roman Forum and has recently become more accessible thanks to a panoramic lift to the Colosseum ‘attic’.

The view from upper tier is breathtaking, one of the best views int Rome .

I highly recommend you book a tour of this belvedere area if you can. You can see my photos and read my impressions of this tour here .

Colosseum tip 4: make sure you have ID on you

Tickets to some areas of the Colosseum such as the underground requite to show ID at the Colosseum entrance.

Make sure you read the small print on the ticket you got and, if required, have official ID on you on the day.

Official ID means passport or National Identity Card (if from the EU). Copies may or may not be accepted, depending on who you find at the door and may leave you open to discretional decision.

Colosseum Tips 5: don’t stress about best time of visit

I see lots of Colosseum tips about the best time to visit the Colosseum; however, I believe these tips often cause fear, rather than offer much help.

You can visit the Colosseum all year round and pretty much any time of the day. The difference in experience if you go morning or afternoon will be minimal.

That said, some times come with advantages:

The best time of day to visit the Colosseum for a chance of smaller crowds is the early morning. This is down to the simple truth that many people will still be asleep then, and the city will be quieter than at more convenient times.

The best time to visit the Colosseum in summer is the evening, when specialized night tours allow you to see the monument all lit up: a wonderful experience!

The best time for visiting the Colosseum in the coldest months ( January , February ) is lunchtime.

View over Roman Forum at night from Campidoglio

Colosseum tip 6: wear sensible shoes

The Colosseum is very well kept and very well equipped for tourism however, it is an archaeological site and has several areas with less than smooth walking surfaces and many steps.

The best shoes for visiting the Colosseum are good quality, well broken-in walking shoes: sneakers, runners or walking sandals with rubber sole are all ideal.

Flip flops and sandals with a slippery sole are to be avoided for safety reasons.

You can find my t ips for picking the best shoes for Rome and my favorite styles here.

Colosseum tip 7: leave large bags at home

The Colosseum has several safety rules and one of them is that large backpacks or bags are not allowed in.

While ‘large’ is a pretty generic word, open to interpretation, what this usually means is that normal size purses and handbags are ok but travel backpacks or travel luggage is not.

Colosseum tip 8: prepare for the weather

For the most part of your visit to the Colosseum, you will find yourself outdoors so, dressing for the weather is paramount.

In summer, make sure you have light clothing, sunscreen and a sun hat – the heat can get brutal here!

In winter, make sure you wrap up with a coat and scarf, especially if visiting the underground part of the amphitheater and if going to the Forum afterward.

They get unbelievably cold!

Find my tips for packing for Rome here

Colosseum tip 9: arrive early

Skip the line tickets and reserved entrance tickets allow you to get in without long queues however, all visitors to the Colosseum must pass a security screening.

This usually does not take more than a couple of minutes but do arrive early to make time for it.

They recommend arriving 20 minutes before your time slot and while I did find this too generous a time (it goes much faster than this), this is a reasonable buffer time to allow for all checks. Within this 20 minutes window they are also often able to allow you in early.

Colosseum Tip 10: stay nearby

Many hotels are in close proximity to the Colosseum, ranging from five-star luxury marvels to budget-friendly options.

They are an excellent option especially if you are short on time and you have the Colosseum on your Rome bucket list: some have gorgeous terraces with views that will allow you to enjoy the amphitheater not just during your visit but also while having breakfast or at aperitivo hour!

You can find our guide to the best hotels near the Colosseum here.

I hope you found those tips for visiting the Colosseum useful. Safe travels!

Tips for visiting the Colosseum in 2024: pin this!

View over Colosseum arena from tip tier with overlay text 'Tips for visiting the Colosseum - all you need to know'

My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

How to visit the Colosseum with kids: all you need to know

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Visit the Colosseum

Two thousand years ago, gladiators would fight to the death and wild animals would rip apart unarmed criminals. This is Rome’s home of the bloodsports.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: March 15, 2024

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome

In the centre of the city, the Colosseum is one of the most iconic sights of Rome and captures the essence of the great Roman Empire that once ruled these lands.

For tourists, it's also one of the most popular things to do in Rome, so it's definitely worth planning your visit to the Colosseum - and potentially getting tickets to skip the queue!

A quick look at the history of the Colosseum
The best things to see at the Colosseum when you visit
Is it worth buying skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum?
My other top tips for visiting the Colosseum in Rome

How different would it have been in here 2000 years ago?

Standing in one of the stalls as I visit the Colosseum, I try to block out the tourists around me, fill in the stones missing from the walls, cover the main arena floor, and imagine the scene.

In the seats all around the ancient stadium, 360 degrees, would have been the crowds. Some records suggest there could have been as many as 85,000 spectators in here, although researchers think the number was probably closer to 50,000.

Regardless, it would have been crowded. It would have been loud.

Shouting from the seats, supporting a gladiator in a battle, demanding the death of a criminal, cheering a good performance.

Humans, animals, stages.

Would they always cheer for the good guy? Did the crowd sometimes decide to cheer for the animals when they were supposed to be cheering for the humans?

In my mind, the Colosseum would have been hot and smelly as well, with so many people crammed in together for dirty and violent shows… but perhaps, in reality, it would not have been too different to a modern stadium during a sports game.

The action is all happening down on the floor of the arena… the crowd just transposes it onto themselves, thinking that by shouting and taking a side that they are somehow part of the actual battle.

Why is the Colosseum so famous?

There are a few reasons why the Colosseum is so famous. Firstly, it is a marvel of architecture that set the standard of stadium design. Secondly, it has an allure as a setting for gladiatorial battles and epic performances. But most importantly, it is an enduring symbol of the Roman Empire, right in the heart of a modern capital city.

Why is it called the Colosseum?

Actually, the official name of the Colosseum is the Flavian Amphitheatre because it was built under the patronage of the Flavian dynasty between 72 and 80 AD. It started to be called The Colosseum because of a colossal statue that stood nearby.

Is it easy to visit the Colosseum?

As one of the most popular attractions in Rome, the Colosseum is now set up to receive thousands of visitors of every day. But it does get very busy and it can sometimes be difficult to get a ticket to the Colosseum, with long waits for tourists who haven’t planned in advance.

There was a variety of shows that would have been performed here over the years. I need to remind myself of that.

But, of course, I first think of gladiators fighting each other. That’s the most famous event, isn’t it? But there were other things.

There were actually more gruesome spectacles – when people sentenced to death were put in the arena naked and unarmed and then were ripped to pieces by animals.

There were elaborate shows with thousands of animals where the arena was filled with trees and props to look like another country.

There were dramas and reenactments of famous historical events.

There is even a report of the centre being flooded so a production with ships could be staged.

Of course, you have to imagine all of this when you visit the Colosseum these days, but I think that’s part of the fun, imaging how it would’ve been 2000 years ago.

Thankfully there is still so much to see here and even the structure itself, without any of the gladiators or animals, is a fantastic place to explore… as long as you can handle the crowds.

I’ve got more info about this further down, but I definitely recommend this guided skip-the-line tour , especially during busy months.

It does get really busy at the Colosseum because it’s one of the most popular things to do in Rome. Doing a bit of planning in advance will certainly save you some hassle – and potentially a lot of time.

It’s also worth knowing a bit of the history before you visit the Colosseum, so let’s have a quick look at that first.

History of the Colosseum

After the death in 68 AD of the Roman Emperor Nero (yes, the one is said to have played the fiddle while Rome burned), the empire entered a year of civil war, that saw four different emperors in less than 12 months, as they were each assassinated or committed suicide in quick succession.

In the end, it was Vespasian who came out victorious. In order to assert his authority and ‘thank’ the people of Rome for their patience during the leadership struggles, he decided to build the Colosseum as a gift.

The new stadium was built right on top of Nero’s old palace – quite a symbolic political move, eh!

By the time it was finished in 80 AD, it was Vespasian’s son, Titus, who was emperor and officially declared it open with 100 days of games.

For centuries, the Colosseum remained a central venue for entertainment and public gatherings.

Looking around, I try to imagine how some of those events would have looked. And how they would have felt, with the adrenaline rising up as you watched a man literally being ripped to death by a lion, right in front of your eyes.

You can see why it was so intertwined with the lives of the citizens of Rome.

However, as the Roman Empire declined, so did the number of games and other events that were held at the Colosseum.

By the 5th century, they had basically ended, and the amphitheatre was abandoned and began to fall into disrepair.

It suffered damage from earthquakes and neglect. Then, during the Middle Ages, it was even used as a source of bricks and stone for building materials.

It wasn’t until the 18th century, when the romanticisation of the Classical World began to take hold across Europe, that there was a renewed interest in the Colosseum.

Efforts began to protect and (to a certain extent) restore the structure… which leads us to what you see here today.

Things to see at the Colosseum

I am often amazed by how artefacts of history have survived in the centre of Rome. Just meandering down the streets, you see remains from the Roman Empire standing amongst a modern city.

The Colosseum, though? There’s something extra special about this place.

It doesn’t just feel like a ruin from two millennia ago. It’s still got energy and a life of its own.

As I begin to walk around the path that leads through the different sections, I take in the different angles of the Colosseum. I stop my imagining and look at the details that you can see today within the structure.

While just being here is impressive enough, there are a few things to see in the Colosseum that are worth taking note of.

Arch of Constantine

This is actually outside the Colosseum, so have a look at it as you’re arriving or leaving.

The enormous triumphal arch was built in 315 AD to commemorate Constantine the Great’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

It’s 21 metres high and 25 metres wide and is the largest of its type in the world. It actually doesn’t really have anything to do directly with the arena, expect that it was clearly meant to be displayed in a busy area!

Tiers of seating

One of the main features of the Colosseum are the seats, and you’ll notice that there are several tiers going around the arena.

The lowest tier, known as the Cavea Ima, was for the most elite spectators, such as senators, religious leaders, and the most important wealthy citizens.

The next highest tier, called the Maenianum II, was still for important people but they tended to be government officials and merchants, who had money but maybe not the kind of prestige that allowed them to be on the same level as the emperor.

The third tier, known as the Maenianum III, was for the general public and is where you find most of the spectators.

The very top tier, called the Summum Maenianum, didn’t necessarily have the best view and was for poor people, slaves, and (I’m sorry, I didn’t make the rules) women.

The Emperor’s Box

Within all these tiers of seating, look out for the spot that has been designated as the Emperor’s Box.

Historians don’t actually know for certain where the emperor would’ve sat, but this location is their best guess because it has a good view and can be accessed by a private palace from Palatine Hill.

The marble balcony that is there today is a later addition and not the original structure.

The arena floor

With all the killing and fighting that happened on the arena floor, it may sound a bit barbaric – maybe even primitive – to us today. But this was actually an extremely sophisticated operation.

Known as the cavea, the central stage area of the Colosseum was a massive floor made of wood. Covering the wood was a layer of sand that would’ve absorbed the blood during gladiatorial matches, and also allowed some flexibility for different performances.

You can’t see the floor anymore because the wood has obviously not survived all these centuries. But a part of it has been reconstructed to give you an idea of what it would’ve been like.

A standard entry ticket to the Colosseum doesn’t give you access to the arena floor, but it’s normally an option you can add on.

The hypogeum

Without the floor, you can look straight down in the area below the stage, known as the hypogeum (which means ‘underground’ in Ancient Greek).

What you’ll discover is that there was a really complex system used for the staging. There were different rooms where gladiators would have prepared, prisons where criminals were kept before their executions, cages for animals, spaces for the props and sets.

Tunnels connect them all, creating a fast and efficient system for staging. About eighty shafts gave access to the arena so things could easily be placed in the right spot.

This is another area that’s really interesting but isn’t open to the public on a standard ticket – you’ll need to upgrade to a tour that includes the hypogeum.

And finally, on the second level of the amphitheatre, you’ll find the Colosseum’s museum.

It’s got some interesting artefacts that are presented nicely enough, but I doubt it’s going to be a highlight of your visit.

I just wanted to mention it here because if you want to delve a bit deeper into some aspects of the site, then the museum might be worth popping into. But don’t worry if you miss it.

How to skip the line for the Colosseum

You don’t need me to tell you that the Colosseum is one of the most popular attractions in Rome. It’s an internationally famous icon of Italy, so of course everyone wants to see it.

But that means it can get really crowded here, especially in the busier months around holidays. The lines to get in can take hours.

One way to avoid too much waiting is to come first thing in the morning and get in the line before the Colosseum even opens at 8:30. That way, there won’t be many people ahead of you for either tickets or security (and it is quite nice to have fewer people inside too).

The other tip I can offer is to get your ticket from the Roman Forum and go in there first. The ticket gives you access to both sites (including Palatine Hill) and the queues tend to be a bit shorter at the Roman Forum than the Colosseum.

But if you don’t want to waste your time waiting in a queue, then I would definitely recommend considering some options for skip-the-line tickets (which are sometimes also called ‘priority tickets’).

In general, there are three different ways you can get skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum:

Self-guided ticket

Guided tour.

I’ll briefly run through each of them, outlining the pros and cons.

The first approach is to buy an entry ticket that means you don’t have to join the long line to buy a ticket in person at the Colosseum.

You can go through the official seller of Colosseum tickets , which charges the normal price plus a €2 per person booking fee.

These aren’t technically skip-the-line tickets, but you do buy them for a specific time slot, so you can go straight to the entrance at that time and join the queue for security (which can still be quite long).

Another option for a non-guided priority ticket is this one through a tour operator .

It’s the same ticket as the one from the official reseller, and it does cost a bit more (so perhaps not good for the budget-minded). But you do get extra things for that additional cost – including a 25-minute introduction video at their office.

The main benefit with this approach is that you have a person at the office who can help you with all the logistics and tell you the best way to manage the lines and the timings.

The next option is to take a guided tour that includes a skip-the-line ticket to the Colosseum.

This would actually be my top recommendation – partly because groups can use a different entrance to the Colosseum, which has a much shorter line for security. And partly because it’s often not that much more expensive than the other skip-the-line option I mentioned, but you get a tour as part of the price!

If you’re looking for a good option that normally has helpful guides (and priority access), then I would definitely recommend this very popular tour that has a guide at both the Colosseum and at Palatine Hill/Roman Forum.

Depending on exactly what you want, there are a few other excellent tours here:

There is so much to learn about both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, that this really is how I would recommend visiting these sights.

As well as getting a fascinating guided tour, you’ll avoid hours of waiting in lines because you can use the priority entrance reserved just for groups.

The final option I want to tell you about is using a city pass for Rome.

Basically, this will get you one of the self-guided skip-the-line tickets that I discussed earlier. The difference – and the big advantage – is that you can save a bunch of money if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing.

One way to do this is with Go City’s Explorer Pass for Rome . You can choose how many attractions you want to include with your pass (which changes the price), and one of them is the skip-the-line Colosseum tickets that include the video introduction.

If you were also to include the skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican as well as a cooking class, or instance, you would get great savings.

The other way to do this is with the Rome and Vatican Pass . The difference is that this is based on time and you’ll have 72 hours, in which some sights are free and the rest are discounted. There’s also free public transport.

It can be a bit confusing, so I have a bit more information in my review of the Vatican and Rome Pass here .

Note: With either of the passes, you need to book your visit to the Colosseum in advance to secure a spot for a specific time, so I would recommend doing that as soon as possible.

Visiting the Colosseum

The Ancient World may have been thousands of years ago but we still feel its influences today in so many parts of our lives.

Here, in this arena where thousands once cheered on bloodsports and epic performances, we can feel even more connected to that world for a few moments. It’s one of the reasons I think you should definitely visit the Colosseum when you’re in Rome.

The main thing to plan for a visit to the Colosseum is tickets, as I’ve discussed in the previous section. Just turning up and buying a ticket from the booth on site is a terrible idea in busy periods and will waste far too much of your time.

The standard ticket will give you access to the main levels of the Colosseum. You’ll need to pay extra to visit the arena floor, go underground, or up to the higher levels of the Colosseum.

It’s also worth thinking about how you want to combine your trip to the Colosseum with a visit to the neighbouring Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, if you’re organising everything on your own.

Your ticket will give you access to both – for 24 hours, not just on the same day. So, you could see one site in the afternoon and then visit the other one the next morning.

In total, I would recommend about 2 hours for the Colosseum and about 2 hours for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

A few other important bits of visitor information to consider:

Bring ID with you because you may have the type of ticket that has your name on it, so you need to prove it is yours.
You can’t take any large bags in with you, but small daypacks are fine.
There’s a security check, so don’t take any sharp objects or anything else that might be considered too dangerous.
Although there are some toilet facilities within the Colosseum, there aren’t many, so go when you can!
I would recommend sun protection, especially for when you are at the Roman Forum.
You can’t bring glass bottles into the Colosseum. Sometimes the guards won’t even let you bring in full plastic bottles. But you can bring an empty plastic/metal bottle and fill it up from a water fountain once you’re inside.
There are entrances to the Colosseum that are equipped with ramps. The ground floor is wheelchair accessible and the first floor is accessible by lifts.

In summary, it’s going to be more of an effort to visit the Colosseum than many of the other attractions in Rome (with perhaps the exception of the Vatican). But it is definitely worth it!

When is the Colosseum open?

The opening hours for the Colosseum change throughout the year. From January 2 to February 15, it is open from 0830 – 1630. From February 16 to March 15, it is open from 0830 – 1700. From March 16 to last Saturday of March, it is open from 0830 – 1730. From last Sunday of March to August 31, it is open from 0830 – 1915. From September 1 to September 30, it is open from 0830 – 1900. From October 1 to last Saturday of October, it is open from 0830 – 1830. From last Sunday of October to December 31, it is open from 0830 – 1630.

How much does it cost to visit the Colosseum?

A ticket to the Colosseum costs €16 for adults and €2 for a concession (with a €2 per person booking fee if done online). Children under 18 are free. The good news is that the ticket also gives you entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill . You can reserve a ticket in advance for a specific time slot through the official resellers , or arrange it through this authorised tour operator .

Is the Colosseum included in the Vatican and Rome Pass?

Yes, if you have the Vatican and Rome Pass then you’ll be able to use it for free entry into the Colosseum. You’ll also get fast-track entrance which lets you skip the line. The pass also gives you free entry to other sights like the Capitoline Museums and the Vatican Museums. You can buy the pass online here or you can read my review here . Another option is Go City’s Explorer Pass for Rome , which can also save you a lot of money.

Should you do a tour at the Colosseum?

You don’t need to do a tour to see most of the Colosseum and get a good sense of the site. But there are not a lot of signs explaining things, so you will definitely get a lot more out of the experience if you have a guide. Importantly, a tour will also let you skip the long line to get in and use a different entrance with shorter queues for security. I would definitely recommend taking a tour of the Colosseum and would suggest this excellent guided experience that also includes the Roman Forum.

I know I’ve already mentioned this, but I just want to stress how much more I think you’ll get out of visiting the Colosseum if you take a tour. You’ll save a lot of time and you’ll get an expert to paint the picture of what you’re seeing.

I would recommend one of the following, if you’re interested in having a guide:

Remember, don’t forget to also visit the Roman Forum which is right next door and also has access to Palatine Hill.

For food, there are lots of options around because you’re right in the centre of Rome. But I would recommend avoiding most of the places right near the entrances because they are obviously aimed at tourists and tend to be overpriced, poor quality, and prone to scams.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ROME

There’s so much to see in Rome, it’s worth finding somewhere comfortable to base yourself for a few nights.

If you’re looking for a hostel, I would suggest the very cool Generator Hostel .

For something affordable but comfortable, Roema Guest House is a good option.

With some incredible designs, the boutique hotel G-Rough is pretty amazing.

And if you want to really splurge for somewhere incredible, have a look at Portrait Roma .

This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List ! I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Only about 800 more to go... eek!

2 thoughts on “Visit the Colosseum”

Amazing beauty of Italy, that is one of the best place of rome to visit. you shared amazing guide to visit that place and stunning photos you shared. thanks for sharing it…….

Thanks very much. You’re right – it is one of the best places in Rome. And luckily it’s an easy place to photograph too! 🙂

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Guide To Rome’s Colosseum In 2024: What To See & Essential Tips

Planning a trip to Rome? Don’t miss the Colosseum, an iconic symbol of the ancient Roman Empire!

This monumental amphitheater, standing for nearly 2,000 years, is a marvel of ancient architecture and the largest of its kind in the world.

Despite centuries of wear and tear, the Colosseum remains remarkably well-preserved, allowing us a glimpse into Rome’s intriguing past and its architectural prowess.

This structure is not just a monument.

It’s a window into ancient Roman life, where gladiatorial battles and wild animal fights were a popular form of entertainment and a testament to Rome’s fascination with spectacle and sport.

As you explore the Colosseum, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by stories of gladiators, chariots, and exotic animals that once battled in this grand arena.

Interestingly, “Colosseum” is actually a nickname. The amphitheater’s original name is the Flavian Amphitheater, named after the Flavian dynasty of emperors who constructed it.

To help you have the best visit, I’ve put together a guide for visiting the Colosseum.

It’s an incredibly popular spot, so it’s important to pre-book tickets and reservations. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered in the tips section below with all the details on the tickets, best tours, etc.

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you can see on a visit:

exterior facade
seating areas
arena floor
basement or hypogeum
third ring or attic
statues and plaques

Guide To The Colosseum: What To See

1. exterior facade.

With its unique elliptical shape, the Colosseum was ingeniously designed to provide a great view from every seat. It spans 188 meters at its longest and 155 meters at its shortest.

The structure features three levels of arches, each adorned with columns that evolve in style from Doric at the bottom to Ionic and then Corinthian as they rise to the top, known as the “attic” level.

Above this was the Vellurium, a cleverly designed retractable awning that protected spectators from rain or harsh sun.

While there’s been debate over whether the Colosseum once had a dome, what it did have was an innovative system of horizontal sails for weather protection.

On the ground floor, the Colosseum had 80 numbered arches, simplifying access for the thousands of spectators.

Notably, four special archways were reserved for the most prestigious attendees like the emperor, senators, and performers, adding a touch of exclusivity to this ancient entertainment hub.

2. Seating Areas

The Colosseum could likely seat as many as 80,000 people.

Roman chroniclers claim they could fill and empty the Colosseum in 20 minutes. Once inside, spectators would enter a passageway known as the Vomitorium.

The word Vomitorium isn’t as gross as it sounds. It connotes moving or expelling. After passing through the Vomitorium, spectators would head to their seats.

The seats were essentially a series of bleacher seats running the entire circumference of the ellipse. Row upon row of seats were built on an incline.

seats for the senators, who had their full name inscribed in their designated seats

There were three distinct sections: 20 rows at the bottom, 16 in the center, and 16 on the top. Where you sat was based on your social status.

The ringside seats were marble. These were the front row Imperial seats.

They were reserved for emperors, senators, the vestal virgins, and other celebrities. The next level up was for Rome’s well-to-do middle class.

The highest level was for the plebians, the free Roman citizens. At the very top, slaves and women sat on wooden nose bleed seats or were standing room only.

3. The Arena Floor

When you step into the Colosseum, the first thing you’ll notice is the arena floor, often called the “stage.” This is where the ancient Roman spectacles unfolded.

One notable entry point to the arena is the ominously named Gate of Death, through which the bodies of fallen gladiators were carried out.

The arena itself, with its oval shape, is encircled by a brick wall.

In the past, this wall was topped with elephant tusks, a clever design to prevent animals from climbing out during the games. It was in this central area that the famous gladiatorial games and other spectacles took place.

trap door where the animals were brought up from the underground basement

Interestingly, the arena floor was made of wood and covered in sand. The sand had a practical yet grim purpose: it helped to soak up the blood from the violent battles that were a hallmark of these ancient entertainments.

There’s a bit of reconstructed floor to give you a sense of what it looked like.

There’s also a reconstructed trap door, which was one of 36, from which the animals below were launched onto the stage as if by magic.

You can’t help but feel small and insignificant standing on the edge of the arena floor. Before you are the massive ruins of the ancient world’s most impressive amphitheater.

4. The Basement, or Hypogeum, of the Colosseum

The hypogeum of the Colosseum was essentially its underground basement. It played a crucial role as the backstage area for the spectacles held above.

This space, now resembling a labyrinthine pit, was once bustling with activity. It consisted of an intricate network of tunnels, dressing rooms, animal cages, and holding areas, all hidden beneath the arena floor.

In this underground maze, slaves, prisoners, animals, and gladiators awaited their turn to enter the arena for their “performances.”

The hypogeum was equipped with sophisticated machines like ramps, trap doors, cranes, and lifts.

These devices were used to transport props and animals to the arena floor, often surprising performers with unexpected entrances of wild beasts.

Today, with the arena floor no longer present, most of the hypogeum is exposed, revealing grassy areas where once there were tunnels and cages.

However, the underground structure around the outer rim of the arena is relatively well-preserved, and this is the part you can explore on a tour.

You’ll stroll down the central corridor once used by gladiators, treading the same path these ancient warriors once did.

Along the way, you can spot the remnants of canals that were ingeniously designed for staging mock sea battles, a time when the Colosseum was temporarily flooded for these grand naval reenactments.

In the hypogeum, some parts have been reconstructed to give visitors a better sense of how it functioned in ancient times.

This includes replicas of the lifts and elevator shafts that were used to transport animals and gladiators up to the arena floor. These reconstructions help you visualize the bustling underground activity that was integral to the spectacles above.

As you wander through the hypogeum, you’ll notice that it’s quite dim. This gives you a sense of how dark it was when the arena floor was in place, blocking most of the light from reaching this lower level.

The hypogeum wasn’t a pleasant place in ancient times. It was dark, probably quite smelly, and had very little air circulation, far from the glamour of the arena above.

Interestingly, this underground area was buried under 40 feet of earth and forgotten until the 19th century. Early attempts to excavate it in 1813 and 1874 were unsuccessful due to flooding.

It wasn’t until Benito Mussolini’s era, in his effort to revive the glory of classical Rome, that the hypogeum was finally excavated and cleared, revealing the fascinating subterranean world we see today.

5. The Third Ring or the “Attic”

The final stop on a Colosseum tour is the nosebleed seats.

After passing through a gated area on the second level of the Colosseum, you arrive at the Third Ring located at the top of the amphitheater.

It’s the highest part of this UNESCO site. This upper level provides a wide view of the Colosseum and the ruins in the Forum and Palatine Hill.

This is also one of the few spots where you can still see pieces of the original outer walls of the Colosseum. The rest were taken and sold after the fall of Rome.

Tips For Visiting The Colosseum

1. how to book a ticket for the colosseum.

Colosseum tickets sell out far in advance. So you should make your reservation as soon as you know your exact visit date.

Tickets are released on a schedule throughout the year. You can see the release schedule in the right hand column of this page .

The cheapest way to get a ticket is to book directly with the Colosseum. A standard ticket is € 16. A ticket to explore the underground is € 9. You can do this online here .

There’s a € 2 online booking fee per ticket. But it’s worth it to secure your preferred time and avoid the long ticket lines.

If you are using the Roma Pass , which includes entry to the Colosseum, you just have to pay the € 2 fee to reserve your time slot online.

If you are having trouble getting a ticket, check the Tiqets website or GetYour Guide for availability.

There are two main lines at the Colosseum for individuals – one for those with a booked timeslot and a ticket, and one for those who want to buy a ticket. Be sure to get in the right line.

2. Colosseum Tours

Alternatively, you can book a curated tour with a private tour company in Rome, which is what I’ve done before. You’ll skip the line and get a knowledgable tour guide to regale you with stories.

You can book a guided tour of just the Colosseum or a guided tour that also includes the underground gladiator area .

I prefer the underground option. It gives you a chance to understand the behind-the-scenes mechanics of ancient Roman entertainment.

Often, Colosseum tours include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You can book a trifecta ticket for all three attractions.

You can also take a guided tour or a private tour of these sites.

3. Practical Information For The Colosseum

Address: Colosseum is Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Comune di Roma RM

Hours : In high season, the Colosseum is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:15 pm.

Metro: Colosseo (Line B). It’s also a 20 minute walk from central Rome near the Piazza Navona.

Security : Whether you’re on a guided Colosseum tour or have pre-purchased your tickets, you’ll still need to queue for the security check before entering the site.

The wait time for the ticket line can vary, typically ranging from 10-30 minutes, contingent on factors like the time of day and the season.

Guided tours have a special priority entrance. So if you are on one, you will get through security more quickly than if you just have a ticket.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the Colosseum in Rome. You may enjoy these other Rome travel guides and resources:

8 ways to spend 1 day in Rome
3 day itinerary for Rome
5 day itinerary for Rome
Hidden gems in Rome
Best museums in Rome
Archaeological sites in Rome
Guide to the Borghese Gallery
Guide to Palatine Hill
Guide to the Roman Forum
Walking tour of central Rome

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Visiting the Colosseum in Rome; All you NEED to Know

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome is something nobody can skip when they’re in Italy. The Colosseum is one of the 7 new wonders of the world (check them all out here ). And it was a real highlight of my time there. Sure it’s cliched, and sure there are hordes of tourists but it’s famous for a reason and that’s because it’s awesome.

Now telling me eating a slice of pizza, and drinking an espresso while soaking up the views of the Colosseum doesn’t get your wanderlust juices flowing?

BUT don’t go storming into Rome without a plan. You can skip the queues, you can get cheaper ticket prices, all you need to do is just a little bit of research first. Long-story short, book online with Headout , it’s a game changer! Let me help you choose the best way to see the Colosseum below:

But what is the colosseum in rome actually, should you book a colosseum tour or go independently, where is the colosseum in rome exactly, how do you get to the colosseum in rome, colosseum opening hours:, tips for visiting the colosseum in rome:, my personal experience visiting the colosseum in italy.

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During the days of the Roman Empire the Colleseum, the biggest amphitheater ever built, would be used to for public displays and gladiator contests. Here, up to 80,000 people would pack themselves into the Colosseum to come and watch. Starting waaaaay back in 80AD.

Throughout the years the Colosseum has seen a great deal of damage. And it is no longer functional of course. Unfortunately, around 25% of it has been destroyed. In spite of the damage, the giant theater is still an impressive site and attracts millions of tourists each year.

In a word, yes, book a tour. Looking back, the best way to see the whole area. Palantine hill, Rome Colosseum tickets itself AND the dungeons, is to book online in advance. Either with just queue-jump tickets , or on a small group tour .

It’s not much more money, so unless you’re on a super tight budget (like I was the first time) taking a short tour, with a guide, where you skip the queue and get to be one of the few people seeing the dungeons under the colosseum is the best way to go. Hands down. So do that!

You can book all that, the same way I did, using Headout here:

This tour is the best Colosseum tour. Including under the Colosseum (you’ll be one of few who get to go here!). This is the tour I recently did, it was AMAZING!
Don’t care about seeing under the colosseum, this tour is best .
On a tight budget? Here are the tickets with no guide . Just $22 and you can skip the queue.

The Colosseum is in Rome’s city centre. And it’s super easy to access. Jump on the metro and head to Colosseo , from there the Colosseum is literally 2 minutes away. You can see from the google map below.

The directions I’ve included in the google map though are an awesome trip. They go from the Colosseum, and then a 5-minute walk to Palatine Hill, where you can buy a Colosseum ticket without the crazy queue. You’re welcome!

HOW MUCH ARE THE TICKETS FOR THE COLOSSEUM?

Tickets are €12 per person (€9 EU citizens ages 18-24, free for EU citizens under 18 or over 65) and give you access to The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

You can buy the tickets in a few ways:

A) You can buy the tickets right outside the Colosseum. NOT RECOMMENDED, there are massive queues. REMEMBER, BOOK ONLINE HERE AND SKIP THAT QUEUE !

B) You can buy the tickets online here and avoid queues, AND ACCESS THE GLADIATOR ARENA !

C) The easiest option if you don’t book a tour, and you’re on a tight budget, is to walk 5 minutes to Palatine Hill (or at the Roman Forum), buy your ticket there, walk back to the Colosseum, and stroll right in. Boom!

October to 15th January : 09:00-15:00
16 Jan-15 Feb : 09:00-16:00
16 Feb-17 Mar : 09:00-16:30
18 Mar-16 Apr : 09:00-17:00
17 Apr-Sep : 09:00-19:00

BUY YOUR TICKET ONLINE AND AVOID THE QUEUES (it also gives you access to the Gladiator Arena). You can book with Headout App here:
If you’re broke and don’t book a tour (it’s much better to book though, be warned!). Go either first thing in the morning. The ticket office opens at 8.30am so get there around 8.15am and there’ll just be a handful of people to share the experience with
Alternatively, if you’re not a morning person, go an hour before sunset so you get the day and night versions of the Colosseum, when they light it up it is spectacular!
Remember the ticket hack – go to Palatine Hill for your ticket, not the Colosseum ticket office!

I’ve been to the Colosseum in Rome twice. Both times I considered The Colosseum as my number 1 thing to see when I was in Rome. The first time, I was a broke backpacker, and then the second time, on my honeymoon with my wife.

The first time around, I didn’t have the money to book a tour. The second time around, I did. And it was a much more fulfilling experience, truth be told.

Both times, I arrived to the Colosseum in Rome via the Metro. It’s much cheaper than an Uber, although they now have those scooters in European cities, and they’re a great way to get around too.

As soon as I left the metro stop you get struck by a huge building. Sure, there’re loads of tourists, but you don’t even notice them. The Colosseum is staring right back at you. At the time, I didn’t know about the little ticket hack so I queued up like an idiot and waited my turn. Almost an hour in the queue. Eurrrgh.

Second time? I had booked a queue jump ticket online, so I met my guide and they took me directly in. Much better! You can copy me HERE (with special access to the gladiators underground ) or just queue jump (with no tour) here .

Entering the Colosseum is a magical experience, considering what went on here literally 2000 years ago. 50,000 people crammed in to watch the most barbaric of entertainment. It only took 10 years to build and to do this day it’s in great condition (admittedly with a touch-up here and there!).

Now I know just how crammed a Rome schedule needs to be, I would have woken up super early and hit the Colosseum first thing but no matter what time you do, it’ll blow your mind. I went back in the evening to have a beer and see it all lit up at night too, and that is spectacular. Give yourself maybe 2 hours for the Colosseum (unless you’re a history buff, then it could be all day). And enjoy, it’s something else.

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How to Visit Colosseum in 2024: Tickets, Tours & Levels Explained (Rome, Italy)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 3, 2024

How to Visit Colosseum in 2024: Tickets, Tours & Levels Explained (Rome, Italy)

The most famous Roman Amphitheater in the world – the Colosseum – is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, Italy, and needs no introduction. Even if you are visiting Rome for a day , the Colosseum is absolutely not to be missed!

One of the most frequently asked questions we get from our readers is how to visit the Colosseum , i.e. which Colosseum tickets or tours to book.

In this guide, we share an overview of all the best Colosseum ticket options and what they include, as well as recommended tours if you decide to visit with a guide.

Further below, you can find more information about all the different levels and archeological sites included with (some) Colosseum tickets, such as the Arena Floor, Colosseum Underground, but also the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

This guide and our experience-based tips for the best Colosseum tickets and tours will give you all the information that you need in order to easily plan your visit. Find out!

PRO TIP: If you don’t have the time to read through all the options and are just looking for the best way to visit the Colosseum, we recommend this highly-rated guided tour . It brings you to all levels of the Colosseum (including the Arena Floor & Underground), the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. We did this tour and loved it.

Horse-drawn carriage at the Colosseum in Rome Italy

Good to know: The Colosseum is located in the center of Rome, so getting here is simple. You can simply walk here in about 20-30 minutes from the historic city center or take a metro if coming from further.

However, Colosseum tickets must be bought before your visit! Booking a few days in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want to be able to pick a time slot.

Colosseum Tickets – Best Options

Good to know: All Colosseum tickets include entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (all these places together are also known as Parco Archeologico del Colosseo ). You’ll have to choose the specific time slot to enter the Colosseum; the rest is flexible.

The chances of getting official tickets for the Colosseum upon arrival are practically non-existent, not just in the high season. So if you want to be sure that you can visit inside, you really have to reserve your Colosseum tickets online in advance.

Here is an overview of Colosseum tickets:

Regular ticket (not always available)
Last-minute ticket (pricier, but somewhat better availability).
Regular ticket + ancient Rome multimedia video (somewhat better availability).
Regular ticket + Arena Floor (these are very popular and tend to sell out even faster).
Regular Ticket + Arena Floor & Underground (better availability – this is a guided tour because you can only visit the Colosseum Underground with a guide!).

Good to know: Children under 18 pay just a few euros and EU citizens under 25 get very big discounts. So be sure to select the right tickets and bring your ID with you!

Please note that Colosseum tickets are usually released only about a month – a month and a half in advance. So if you are too early, you may not be able to book them yet. On the other hand, don’t wait until the last day either or you may not find a suitable time slot anymore.

TIP: If you are looking for last-minute Colosseum tickets , try here . Alternatively, look for a guided tour . They usually have better access to tickets that are not available to the general public, plus you can book a tour long in advance or at the very last minute. You can find more information about guided tours further below.

Important to know if traveling in the high season: In the peak summer travel season, there is often very limited availability of Colosseum tickets. All the websites, including the official site and all the official resellers, show practically no availability at all. If that’s the case, don’t panic. You can still visit the Colosseum with guided tours (which we recommend anyway). See also our hand-picked selection of Colosseum tours further below and if you find an option that suits you, book asap!!!

PRO TIP: This Rome Tourist Card is a combined ticket that includes entry to all the top sights in Rome (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica + Dome). This card allows you to choose time slots for all the top attractions in one go and will save you time and money.

Colosseum Tours

If you want to make the most out of your visit to the Colosseum, consider going with a guided tour. You won’t have to worry about tickets, which entrance to take, or where exactly to go inside the Colosseum. Not even to mention trying to navigate the huge archeological site of Forum Romanum and Palatine Hill.

I can’t even tell you how many times I saw people sharing frustrating stories about their individual visits to the Colosseum. The worst is when you miss certain places/levels because you pass a turn or some staircase without realizing it and are not allowed to turn back. On top of that, you have the Forum and Palatine Hill which is an enormous site. A visit here is overwhelming without knowing where to go, or understanding what all those ruins are or which ones are significant and what’s the story behind them…

We have been to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum on our own several times and it was an enjoyable visit – we saw it, ticked the box, and were happy. But recently, we wanted to see the Colosseum Underground (this level can only be visited with a guide) and so we booked this guided tour . It was an incomparable experience. We learned so much in such a short time! It’s only now that I realized how little did we actually see in the past.

PRO TIP: If you want to not just see the Colosseum and Roman Forum, but actually understand what you are seeing, do yourself a favor and go with a guide!

TIP: Please note that there are tons of different options when it comes to guided tours of the Colosseum. However, not all Colosseum tours visit all levels, so if you want to stand on the Arena Floor or explore the Underground, be sure to double-check what’s included when you book!

Here is an overview of some of the best Colosseum tours:

Regular Tour (includes Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill).
+ Arena Floor (includes everything as above, plus access to Arena Floor).
Arena floor & Special Gladiator’s Gate Access (an excellent tour that includes everything as above and a bit more).
+ Arena Floor & Underground (an all-in tour).
VIP Night Tour (a very unique experience that includes all Colosseum levels and more).

Why Visit Colosseum?

Built almost 2,000 years ago as an entertainment arena, the Colosseum is the world’s largest amphitheater and the symbol of Rome. It’s simply #1 among all the must-see places in Rome !

A visit here is like taking a trip back in time. As you explore different levels of the Colosseum or stand on the Arena Floor, it’s easy to imagine the infamous gladiator fights and the roaring crowds of 50,000-80,000 spectators.

A tour of the Colosseum Underground gives you a unique insight into the working of this entertainment arena. Here, you can see where gladiators waited for the battles and where wild animals were kept and the mechanisms used to bring them upstairs or flood the arena with water in order to recreate sea battles.

In addition, as already mentioned, your Colosseum tickets also include entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. These are the oldest ancient landmarks in Rome with origins dating from around the 10th century BC. This is where the city was born!

Colosseum interior view from Arena Floor

Colosseum Levels & Tickets Explained

When choosing which Colosseum tickets to book for your visit, you should know that there are several levels that you can visit, and not all tickets are the same.

Regular tickets give you fast-track access to all the main areas of the Colosseum , Levels I and II, including the museum and the higher levels of the amphitheater. All Colosseum tickets also include access to the nearby archeological sites of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill .

In addition, it’s also possible to visit the Arena and/or the Underground levels inside the Colosseum. You will need a different ticket for the Arena and the underground level can only be visited with a guide . These tickets/tours also include everything that is included with a regular ticket.

Good to know: In the past, you could also visit Level III of the Colosseum (at the very top, also known as the top tier). However, the top tier has been under reconstruction for quite a while now, and our Colosseum guides said that it’s not clear if/when it will reopen to the public.

Below, you can find more information about all the Colosseum levels and tickets.

Ancient Roman artifacts at the Colosseum museum in Rome

Here are more details and info about all these places/tickets:

The Main Floors of The Colosseum

Regular Colosseum tickets include fast-track timed entry to the Colosseum and its main levels: the ground floor (first order) and the first floor (second order) , or Levels I and II.

Inside, you can walk around different levels of the amphitheater and visit a museum showcasing all kinds of ancient Roman artifacts and pieces of art that were found here. This ‘museum’ is located inside the Colosseum and is just a small part of the building.

Once again, with the standard entry ticket, you can see the Arena and also the underground of the Colosseum, but you cannot visit these levels.

The regular Colosseum tickets also include a one-time entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – see below. You can find more info and book regular tickets here .

Colosseum amphitheater interior - wide angle view

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill is a large archeological site located just next to the Colosseum and accessible with all its tickets .

Palatine Hill is the birthplace of the city of Rome and the Roman Empire. It was also the place where the rich and the famous lived during the glory days of the Empire.

The Roman Forum , at the foot of Palatine Hill and just next to the Colosseum was the economic and political center of Ancient Rome. Here, you can see some impressive remains of ancient temples, palaces, and important buildings.

You could spend hours wandering around here. But without a guide or some background info (guidebook, audio guide), it’s often difficult to understand and truly appreciate what you are seeing.

Colosseum Arena Floor

In the past only accessible to VIP guests, the partially reconstructed Arena floor has only recently opened to the general public.

Standing here, you can see the Colosseum from the gladiators’ perspective. It gives you a very unique view of the amphitheater and how enormous it is. Just try to imagine how it must have felt to stand here when the Colosseum was filled with over 50,000 people, all shouting and cheering waiting for the ‘show’ to begin.

Because the gladiator arena floor is only partially covered, from here you also have a very good view of a big part of the underground level below.

While you can see the Arena with a regular ticket, you’ll need this ticket in order to enter it. The availability of these tickets is rather limited, so be sure to book at least a week or two in advance!

TIP: If the tickets are sold out, you may still be able to visit this level with a guided tour (just make sure that the tour actually includes the Arena access!).

Colosseum Underground

The Colosseum Underground (aka hypogea) is a sort of ‘backstage’ located under the Arena Floor. It is a network of corridors, narrow passages, and dark cells where wild animals were kept and where gladiators used to wait for their battles.

The underground level was connected to the main stage by innovative mechanics and sort of ancient elevators which were used to bring gladiators and animals to the main Arena.

As you stand here, try to imagine that this area was totally dark and you were deafened by the earsplitting noise of the crowd above. Not even to mention the roaring and the smell of wild animals, or the blood of fellow gladiators…

A visit here is a truly unique experience that gives you a much better understanding of what the Colosseum is really about.

Good to know: This part of the Colosseum has been closed for years and only opened to the public a few years ago. It is only possible to visit this part of the Colosseum with a guide. See here for the best tours that visit the underground level .

So How to Visit the Colosseum?

There is really not one ‘best’ way to visit the Colosseum, so choose the tickets or tours that align with your interests, time, and budget.

If you are looking for the best-value guided tour, then consider this highly-rated experience that – in addition to all the standard places – includes the Arena floor & special Gladiator’s Gate access.

If you want to see all levels , then book a Colosseum tour that includes the Arena Floor and the Underground (we went with this tour and thoroughly enjoyed the visit).

If you are short on time or rather go on your own , you can see the impressive interior of the amphitheater and visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with a regular ticket . In that case, consider this Rome Tourist Card that includes Colosseum tickets as well as all the most important sights at the Vatican. With this card, you can often get Colosseum tickets even if they are not available individually!

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Rome

Yes, if you want to be 100% sure that you can visit the Colosseum inside, you have to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance. The chances of getting a ticket on the day of your visit are very slim.

Which Colosseum levels you can visit, depends on the ticket you get. With general admission, you have access to the first and second floors including the museum. If you want to visit Arena Floor, you need a different ticket. Colosseum Underground can only be visited with a guide. All Colosseum tickets include entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

The Colosseum is located in Rome, Italy, whereas Coliseum is one of the largest theaters in London’s West End. So the correct spelling for the ancient gladiators’ arena in Rome is Colosseum.

With skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour, you need about 1 hour for the Colosseum. We took a tour that included the Arena Floor and Colosseum Underground and were in and out of the Colosseum in about an hour. However, you should count at least 1-1.5 hours for a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, plus the queue. So realistically, you need at least 2.5-3 hours for the Colosseum.

More travel inspiration and information for your visit to Rome:

Must-sees: Best Things to Do in Rome
Best Area to Stay in Rome
Rome Airport Transfers (Fiumicino & Ciampino)
Tips for Planning a Trip to Europe
Where to eat in Rome
Best street food tours in Rome
1 Day in Rome
2 Days in Rome (the musts + a few hidden gems)
4 Days in Rome (top sights, ancient landmarks, hidden gems)
Hidden Gems of Rome
Best Views & Viewpoints in Rome
Rome Underground Sites
The Oldest Ancient Rome Sites

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How to visit Colosseum in Rome Italy - tickets and levels explained

More travel inspiration for Italy:

Best cities to visit in Italy
Best things to do in Venice
Best things to do in Florence
Best things to do in Milan
Best things to do in Naples
Best things to do in Siena
Best things to do in Verona
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The ultimate guide to exploring Colosseum the right way

Things to do in Rome Rome Attractions Landmarks in Rome Colosseum Guide

Nested in Southern Europe, Italy’s capital city, Rome is one of the most thrilling cities in the world that receives a footfall of more than 7.6 million tourists each year. While the wanderlust in you will be spoilt to choose from a wide array of attractions like the Pantheon, Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican City , etc., you cannot miss one of the most revered historic sites in the world, the Colosseum.

The Colosseum, Rome

An enduring icon of the Roman World, the Colosseum is a 620 by 513 feet elliptical building, once the site of an artificial lake. The lake was drained to make way for the Colosseum, to signify the end of a tyrannical rule. Built to accommodate 60,000 seated people and another 10,000 standing guests, at any given time the amphitheatre was crowded with at least 70,000 spectators.

Take a look at what Sara, our resident expert from Headout, has to show you in the video below -

The Colosseum - Handy Information

Handy information

Must-see at colosseum.

Columns and arches Flavian Amphitheatre Plaque The Hypogeum Arena

Things To Know

Number of visitors per year: 6 million Founded in: 70 AD Builder: Vespasian, Titus Architectural style: Ancient Roman architecture

Opening Hours And Address

Jan 2 - Feb 28: 9am - 4:30pm Mar 1 - Mar 26: 9am - 5:30pm Mar 27 - Aug 31: 9am - 7:15pm Sept 1 - Sept 30: 9am - 7pm Oct 1 - Oct 30: 9am - 6:30pm Oct 30 - Dec 31: 9am - 4:30pm

Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Get Directions

Why Visit The Colosseum?

You don’t want to skip the bustling attraction aka the Colosseum on your Roman Holiday. One of the most visited monuments in the world, it receives a footfall of 4 million visitors each year. The Colosseum, an engineering marvel, holds the records for many firsts.

While most amphitheatres in the era were circular, the Colosseum was elliptical. This feature allowed the spectators to get a bird’s eye view of the arena or place of action. With the Colosseum designed to hold 80,000 spectators, it was built using no modern machinery or any heavy equipment. An epitome of grandeur, the structure had 80 ornate entrances and a dozen inner doorways, tunnels, staircases and corridors. So include the Colosseum in your itinerary and walk through the same path as the gladiators and experience this ancient ruin!

You can also figure out a Guided Tour of the Colosseum to take to explore all the different aspects of this historic monument.

Colosseum History

Did you know Rome's Colosseum was constructed as a gift to the Roman people by the emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty? While the construction began around AD 70-72, this engineering marvel took more than a century to complete. Titus, the son of Emperor Vespian inaugurated the structure in AD 80. Dubbed the Flavian Amphitheatre, the grand opening of the site included hundred days of entertainment- gladiatorial games and wild animal fights. Over time, Romans used the Colosseum to host dramas, mock fights, and carry out public executions.

It is believed the Colosseum was also used as a church and a fortress by Roman families and served as a quarry. While the Romans actively made use of it during the peak of the Roman Empire, by the 20th century it fell into disrepair because of natural calamities-earthquakes and lightning, vandalism and neglect, with almost two-thirds of this magnificent structure destroyed. Thanks to the restoration work that began in the 1990s, today the monument is ancient Rome’s most renowned heritage, drawing in millions of tourists from around the world.

What did the Colosseum look like?

What's super fascinating is that despite the damage by Earthquakes in 847 and 1231, the Colosseum has stood the test of time, remaining a testament to the engineering marvels of ancient Rome. Its elliptical shape created a vast stage for gladiators to engage in combat, thrilling thousands of spectators. Intricately, the structure was layered with Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, adding aesthetic appeal and strength. Originally, the Colosseum boasted a grand retractable awning, known as the velarium, sheltering spectators from the harsh sun. This massive amphitheatre had a capacity for over 50,000 people, who streamed through its 76 archways to witness the spectacle. Incredibly, the Colosseum maintained its role as a premier entertainment venue for over seven centuries.

Colosseum Architecture & Design

Measuring 189 metres long, 156 metres wide and 50 metres in height, with a total surface area of almost 6 acres, the Colosseum still holds the Guinness World Record for the largest amphitheatre in the world. Made using travertine stone as its primary material and concrete, the four-storied Colosseum was one of the most complex man-made structures of its time. The Colosseum’s columns, and arches decorated with statues of gods and emperors, are its most prominent features.

The outer facade of the building, equivalent to a 12-story building, has columns and arches built using different styles. Instead of arches and columns on the fourth level of the Colosseum, the building features small windows. While the rest of the Colosseum was mainly white, the Colosseum Arena was made using red and black stone blocks. The Romans covered the arena’s wooden floor with sand to prevent the combatants from slipping and make cleaning easy post gladiator fights!

The arena also had lifts, special machinery and trap doors to release animals into the action floor. A special structure, called the Hegmata, was used to lift heavy animals from the hypogeum (an underground network of tunnels and chambers) onto the arena. Combatants entered the arena through a Gate of Life whereas the Gate of Death was used for the exit of the victorious and gladiators killed during the fight! While the Underground and the Belvedere (the top level) were not accessible to the public for the longest time, don’t miss out on travelling back in time as these exclusive areas have recently opened to tourists.

While the first storey columns are done in Tuscan style, the second story features more elaborate Ionian columns and the third floor has intricate Corthinian style columns. The fourth floor is mainly decorated with rectangular columns. And if you are a keen observer, you will notice how the lower three-stories have so many arches but the fourth floor lacks them and instead has small windows. The arena or the venue of activities, had 36 trap doors to make impressive entries into the arena and for special effects during performances.

The Roman Colosseum also has a two-level underground network of corridors and cells called the Hypogeum. Animals and gladiators were kept here before their entry into the arena. The state-of-art facilities at this wonder of the Roman Empire had hundreds of fountains to quench the thirst of spectators. To control the entry and exit of spectators, the Colosseum had 80 entrances. The Colosseum was also equipped with a Velarium to protect spectators from the sun and the rain.

Colosseum Entrances

The Colosseum has 3 entrances: one entrance for individual visitors, the group entrance and the entrance to the arena. The entrance facing the forums for individual visitors is called Sperone Valadier and is the only entrance currently in use. The arena entrance, named Stern is only used for guided tours with a visit to the arena. Entry to the Colosseum from the Varco Stern entrance is currently suspended.

Here's everything you need to know about Colosseum entrances .

Colosseum At Night

The Colosseum at night is a magnificient sight to see. It has stood through centuries of culture, war and it's significance is just as relevant as on the day it was built. Looking at it's glory at night would give you new perspectices while there are a ton of night markets and food streets to explore as well. Including a night time visit to the Colosseum could be enticing. A night-time Colosseum tour is rather personalised as there is a minimum crowd and the weather is pleasant too. Soak in the shadows of this majestic structure while you also enjoy the view of Rome by the night.

What To See At The Colosseum

1 columns and arches.

Each archway, in all the levels, is numbered. These numbers allowed spectators to find their seats. 76 archways served as entrances to the Colosseum. These were used by the public. The remaining four were reserved for entrances by important people- emperors, senators, and visiting dignitaries.

2 Flavian Amphitheatre Plaque

A plaque attached to the Colosseum facade shows the name of the monument as the Amphitheatre Flavium, indicating the Flavian dynasty that built it. This plaque can be seen at the wall of the Colosseum that faces the Temple of Venus.

3 The Cross

A large wooden cross is erected in the interior of the Colosseum. It was placed there by Pope John Paul II in 2000, to commemorate all the Christian martyrs.

4 The Entry and Exit Gates

The archway between 57 and 58 is called the Gate of Death or the Libitinarian Gate. It was used to remove the dead and the not-so-victorious out of the arena. The archway between 19 and 20 had the Gate of Life. Gladiators entered the structure using this gate.

The Colosseum Arena had wooden panels and was covered by sand. While most of the flooring is lost, a part of it is visible. The arena was the ‘place of action’ or where gladiator and animal fights were held. Don’t miss the opportunity to get the feels of a battleground!

6 The Hypogeum

While the floor panels of the arena are now missing, you can see the walls of the hypogeum. This labyrinth of service corridors and cages offers a glimpse of where animals and gladiators were kept before their fights. This maze also had 36 trap doors to add special effects to performances. To experience the Hypogeum, make sure your ticket allows access to this part of the Colosseum.

7 Permanent Exhibition

Archaeologists excavated many artefacts around the Colosseum. The second level of the Colosseum has these artefacts- cups and spoons, on display. These were used by vendors to serve spectators! Oyster shells and nutshells excavated from the site suggest Romans loved their fruits!

Top Recommended Colosseum Tickets

Visiting the Colosseum is a dream a very few might realise in their lives. Make sure you make the most of your visit by seeing and learning about this ancient and modern wonder of the world. We would recommend taking Guided Tours of the Colosseum so you can make the most of you visit!

Colosseum Rome Passes

Best city passes that include access to the colosseum, the roma pass card.

The Roma Pass is a special tourist-cultural card. It can be used to visit museums and archaeological sites including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. The pass also includes free use of the city’s public transport network, for the entire validity of the card. According to the length of your stay, you can purchase this card for two or three days here . If you opt for this pass, you have to make a reservation for the Colosseum.

The Omnia Card

Opt for an Omnia Card if you wish to cover Vatican City on your Roman Holiday. The Roma Pass, a card of the City of Rome is included under the Omnia Card, the one with a validity of 72 hours, allowing you to enjoy the Vatican City and Rome under one pass. You can book your pass here .

This Rome City pass offers flexible options for 2, 3 and 6-days. All their passes include free public transportation, skip-the-line free entry to the Colosseum and to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. You can book this pass here .

Getting There

There are plenty of ways to reach the Colosseum. Here we’ve listed the public transport options that take you to the popular tourist site.

Colosseo is the closest Metro station to the Colosseum. Taking any metro on Line B takes you to the Colosseo station. The Colosseum entrance is less than a 5 minute walk from there. If you board the metro from Roma Termini (the main connecting hub in Rome), it will take you 5 minutes to get to the Colosseum.

You can make your visit to the Colosseum budget-friendly by opting for a bus ride instead. Bus routes 75, 81, 673, 175, 204 take you to the Colosseum. A bus ride from Roma Termini will take about 15-20 minutes depending on the route and the traffic congestion. The bus timings are 05:30 am to 12:00 am. The night buses operate from 12:00 am to 05:30 am.

Taking tram line 3 will take you to the Colosseum.

If you wish to walk from Roma Termini, the main station, the walk to the Colosseum would take you 30 minutes. You can opt for this if you've got time in hand and don't mind a leisure stroll.

Best Time To Visit The Colosseum

The Colosseum receives maximum footfall in the summer months between April to September. So if you’re the kind who doesn’t like big crowds, planning your visit between November to March will make your experience worthwhile! Brace for pleasant weather during this time.

You can also try and visit the Colosseum on weekdays, especially during its opening hours to avoid large crowds and the scorching sun. Opting for an entry slot towards the end of the day will allow you to experience a lit up Colosseum and Rome, perfect for an impressive yet ancient feel to the place!

Additionally, you can read more about Best Time To Visit Rome

Colosseum Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

The Colosseum had a Velarium or a cloth roof to cover the arena. It worked as a sun shield if it got too sunny and also offered protection if it rained.
It is believed that the Colosseum was also used as a church and a fortress by Roman families. It also served as a quarry for its stone reserves for building projects.
It took manpower of ten thousand slaves, over ten years, to build the Colosseum.
The arena of the Colosseum is so big that it could fit a modern-day football pitch inside!
Emperors used the Colosseum to gain popularity! They funded the major events, often paying for it themselves, and making the entry free for spectators. They even served free food sometimes to win the support of the Romans.
Most of the professional combatants who entertained spectators with their fights at the arena of the Colosseum were men. It is believed there were some female gladiators too! These gladiators were generally slaves, criminals or prisoners of war.
36 trap doors in the arena were used to add special effects during a performance. The labyrinth of underground passages was used to hold wild animals and gladiators before a fight.
At a time, the floor of the arena was flooded with water, up to a few feet, to mock sea battles.
Look out for the Colosseum in Italy’s five-cent euro coin!

Insider Tips For Visiting The Colosseum

The queues at over-the-counter ticket lines at the Colosseum can be very long. You might end up spending over 2 hours just waiting for your turn hence wasting a lot of time. Avoid this situation and book your Colosseum tickets online. This allows you to skip the long queues for the admission ticket, breezing past the crowds and heading straight in for a tour of the ancient ruins.
The Colosseum tickets sell out really quickly and you may not find your preferred time slot available. So it is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you are visiting during the peak tourist period. Online Colosseum Rome tickets offer a fast-track pass and help save time!
The Colosseum has different parts to it. Depending on your interests and what you’d like to explore, choose a ticket in advance as this allows you to make informed decisions. Since the area of the Colosseum is huge, it means lots of walking. So make sure to address your hunger pangs and eat a heavy meal before starting your tour.
Even though this archaeological site is well-maintained, not all its walking areas are smooth. So keep your flip flops and heels aside for safety reasons and wear comfortable shoes with a good grip.
Choosing the best time of the day is paramount for your visit. Arriving before 8:30 am will not only allow you to bypass huge crowds but also allow you to soak in some clean morning air.
Show up at least 15-20 minutes before the time-slot mentioned on your ticket. This leaves room for some buffer time to finish mandatory security checks at the site.

Top Things To Do Around The Colosseum In Rome

The Colosseum is surrounded by prominent landmarks of the Roman empire. Here we list out the top things to do around the Colosseum:

Breakfree from the crowded tourist spots by going to Palatine Hill. If we are to believe folklore, the first Romans settled in the Palatine Hills in the 10th Century BC. A great vantage point, soak in Roman culture and heritage from the hilltop here.

The arch is situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It is named after Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor of Rome to mark his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome. With its tall pillars, columns and archways, this historic site was once a bustling marketplace for day-to-day shopping. Today, much of the Roman Forum lies in ruins but it was an important site for religious, social and political activities.

The Fontana di Trevi is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome. Located at the base of the 17th century Palazzo Poli palace in Rome, the fountain has an ensemble of mythical figures and wild horses, like sea-god Oceanus, Neptune- God of the sea, guarding the fountain. You can also go on Trevi fountain tours to make your trip exciting.

Head to the Spanish steps if you want some exhilarating view of Rome. A UNESCO site, the 138 steps were built in the 1700s to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Trinità dei Monti (a 16th-century French church). Make sure not to sit on the stairs as you will be fined! Climb the stairs for some fine views of the city.

At the base of the Spanish Stairs, is the Keats-Shelley Memorial House. Here, the literary great John Keats lived and died in 1821. The museum is dedicated to the English poet and his contemporary, Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Restaurants Around The Colosseum

The Colossuem is ancient and offers many things to explore in and around. Make sure you don't walk in an empty stomach. Hence, here are a list of the top food joints and eateries for a hearty Italian meal.

An ancient winery, the place serves Italian cuisine and is vegetarian friendly, has vegan options, and gluten free options. Since this is one of the top rated places near the Colosseum, make sure to reserve a table beforehand! Address: Via Panisperna 251 Rione Monti, 00184 Rome Italy

A 6 minute walk from the Colosseum, deport yourself to an old tavern of the past by visiting Trattoria Luzzi. The place offers some local experience, the best recipes of the Roman tradition, and some great food at affordable prices. You can check the menu here . Address: Via Celimontana, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

AA family-operated trattoria, this restaurant in the Monti neighbourhood is often populated with a lot of tourists! If celebrities like Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, and Bruce Springsteen have all dined here, this is another reason to visit the tavern. You can book ahead here ! . Address: Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

A traditional Roman pizzeria, it is a 10 minute walk from the Colosseum. If you're looking for some authentic wood-fire oven pizzas, this local stop will satiate your taste buds like no other. Cheap, friendly and delicious, head here for some authentic experience. . Address: Via della Madonna dei Monti, 95, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Find More Colosseum restaurants here

Shopping Around The Colosseum

If you’d like to take back a bit of Rome with you, there are many small stops near the Colosseum selling a wide range of souvenirs- magnets, postcards, Roman gladiator helmets and wooden swords, keychains, etc. Souvenir stands next to the Colosseum and even sells funny placards with Italian slogans. Pick out the perfect souvenir to remember your Roman holiday from one of these shops:

A 3km-walk from the Colosseum, the market on the sides of River Tevere offers an eclectic ambience. A mix of local stores and street food can make your visit to the Riverside Market delightful.

If you are looking for some vintage shopping, this street, at a radius of 2.3kms from the Colosseum, offers a wide selection of clothing, shoes and accessories. You can also explore the surrounding streets for some great boutiques.

Brimming with antique stores, this peaceful street offers a sneak-peak into ancient Rome, away from the crowded tourist spots. The artcraft stores here are perfect for you if you’re looking to carry back some antique paintings or jewellery.

Located in the old Trastevere district, around 2.3 kms from the Colosseum, it is the biggest flea market in Rome, held only on Sundays. The hundreds of stalls in the market offer a wide selection of goods including second-hand products. Be prepared to bargain your way for your pick!

Colosseum FAQs

What do colosseum tickets include.

All the tickets booked through us include skip-the-line access to the Colosseum. Depending on which ticket you choose, it may also include a guided tour of the Colosseum.

Do all Colosseum tickets include access to the Underground?

A standard Colosseum ticket does not include access to certain areas like the Underground, the Belvedere and the Arena. You will have to purchase special access tickets to access these areas.

What is the maximum size of a Colosseum guided tour group?

Not more than 20 individuals (adults, children, guides, escorts, etc.) are allowed in a group for entry into the Colosseum.

How long does it take to tour the Colosseum?

Depending on the kind of ticket, it can take anywhere between an hour to three to visit the Colosseum. If you want to include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill too, make sure to keep at least half a day for the tour.

What is the cancellation policy for Colosseum tickets?

While each vendor has a different cancellation policy, for tickets booked through us, we are offering a full refund on cancelling tickets 24-72 hrs before the start date of the experience, based on the type of ticket you book. Please check before you make your reservation.

Are discounts available on Colosseum tickets?

Yes. There is a concession for European Union (EU) citizens, aged 18-25. Upon presenting a valid identity card, patrons can buy the tickets for a reduced price. EU and non-EU citizens under the age of 18, along with permanent or contract-based teaching staff enjoy free entry into the Colosseum. For more information on discounts, visit the official site here .

Is the Colosseum wheelchair friendly?

Yes, wheelchairs are easily accessible at the site. Since the Colosseum also has a few uneven surfaces a Colosseum visit may not be comfortable for those with walking disabilities.

Is there a left baggage storage available at the Colosseum?

The Colosseum doesn’t have any facility to store baggage. So make sure you don’t carry any bulky bags and backpacks, luggage and trolley within the premises of the Colosseum as it is prohibited. You can carry medium and small sized backpacks.

What is the dress code to keep in mind before your visit to the Colosseum?

The Colosseum is best explored walking. So make sure to wear a comfortable pair of sport shoes or sneakers. Don’t forget to break in your new shoes to avoid blisters while exploring the Colosseum. It is also advisable to wear any breathable clothes, apply sunscreen and carry a hat/cap and sunglasses, as it can get hot during the summer months.

In what languages are audio guides available inside the Colosseum?

For audio guides, you need to download the Parco Colosseo app from the Google Play store or the Apple Play store. The app offers audio guides in Italiano, Inglese, Francese, Spagnolo, Tedesco. However, this is a paid service. For more information, you can visit the site here .

More Recommended Experiences in Rome

While the Colosseum is a must-see in Italy, here are some other attractions that are now open to the public that cannot be missed! Check out more top things to do in Rome . Don't forget to read and bookmark our Rome Travel Guide packed with itineraries, tips for first timers, local recommendations, restaurants, hotels & more.

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Born and brought up in Bengaluru, Preetha is an introvert living amidst the toil of the metro, chasing her dreams. She is a movie buff, a bibliophile and is fond of old school music. She has an eye for aesthetics and can draw and paint as good as a ten-year-old. She has been passionate about writing since her teen years and is currently exploring herself and the world, one word at a time.

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Colosseum Tickets: skip the line – How to Buy + My best Tips

Buying a skip the line ticket for the colosseum.

You want to buy a skip the line ticket for the Colosseum of Rome ?

You’re at the right place!

With all the existing tickets for the Colosseum, it can be a bit hard to find the most interesting for you and to get the best price.

In order to help you, I have prepared this definitive guide with all the different skip the line tickets for the Colosseum.

No matter if you want to visit the Colosseum with or without a guide , buy a combined ticket with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill , or even visit at night VIP style! I will give you the best websites to purchase your tickets for each type of visit.

Let’s find out more about the best skip the line tickets for the Colosseum!

Colosseum skip the line ticket without tour

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If you want to quickly buy skip the line tickets for the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill without reading the whole article, here is the summary of all the existing tickets . To purchase them, simply click on their name in the table.

PS: All the skip the line tickets include the Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill, except the “night VIP” ticket (Colosseum only)

You probably already know it: To visit the Colosseum, booking a skip the line ticket is absolutely necessary . There is nothing more annoying than having to wait 2 to 3 hours standing in line instead of enjoying your trip and discovering the city.

I insist, but the Colosseum is the most touristic monument in Rome , so not buying a skip the line ticket would be a serious mistake. I can assure you that there is an incredible waiting line there every day!

So, let’s start this list of Colosseum skip the line tickets with the classic one:

This quick access ticket , allows you to visit the first and second floors only . You can’t access to the fourth and fifth floors, the arena and the underground level.

This Colosseum skip the line ticket is without guide , so you will walk freely inside. However, they will give you a link to download a map of the Colosseum on your smartphone. Very convenient!

This is an “instant booking”, you will receive your ticket to visit the Colosseum directly on your smartphone. On the day of your visit, there is no need to print anything (yep, it’s also environmentally friendly!). You just have to go there and scan your ticket in the special “visitors with tickets” line.

After visiting the Colosseum, with the same skip the line ticket , you will be able to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the 2 other sites of the Ancient Rome.

If you don’t have a lot of time to visit Rome, this is the simplest and most convenient ticket.

As its name suggest, this Colosseum skip the line ticket includes a video guide. It’s great if you want to learn everything about Rome’s most famous monument history!

To buy this Colosseum skip the line ticket with audio guide, you just have to click the button below.

On the day of your visit, you will have to exchange this voucher for an entrance ticket at the Colosseum ticket office.

They will give you the video guide as well as a timed entrance ticket to the Colosseum. Once it’s done, you will be able to enter the monument through the priority entrance gate.

Video guides are available in all languages , including English of course. They must be collected at least 2 hours before the ticket office closes.

Just like the previous one, this skip the line ticket also includes entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill . However, there is no video guide for these 2 visits (it doesn’t exist).

You should get this ticket if you don’t have the time for a guided visit but still wish to learn more about the Colosseum.

Buy your Colosseum skip the line ticket at the best price now! If you need to change your schedule or anything, cancellation is free up to 24h before your visit.

Ok, this one is my favorite!

This skip the line ticket allows you to visit Rome’s Colosseum and grant you access to the Arena . Yep, you will be able to go where the action once took place!

It’s the only ticket allowing you to visit the Arena.

To sum it up, you will enjoy priority access to the Colosseum with access to 1st and 2nd floor as well as the Arena. Only the 4th and 5th floor and the underground can’t be visited with this ticket.

Purchasing this Coliseum + Arena skip the line ticket is instantaneous and mobile tickets are accepted . This means you can just show the ticket on your smartphone, no need to print anything!

In addition, it allows you to download a map of the site for free.

The meeting point is located at the STERN entrance of the Colosseum. You should be there in advance (or go have a look the day before for example), as the the visiting hours are strictly respected.

A representative of Tiqets website (the website selling this skip the line ticket) will be waiting for you at the entrance, you will just have to show him the ticket on your smartphone. No need to print anything.

Please note that this isn’t a guided tour, the Tiqets representative is only here to help you get around and make sure everything is going well for you.

This Colosseum + Arena floor ticket also includes access to the Roman Forum and palatine Hill . A guide will take you there after your visit to the Colosseum.

The 3 sites must be visited on the same day.

If you want to visit the Colosseum and the Arena without guided visit, it’s the best skip the line ticket!

There is also a version of this ticket that includes a guided visit. It’s awesome!

Contrary to all the other Colosseum skip the line tickets I talked about previously, this one will allow you to visit Rome’s most famous monument with a guided visit!

You will have access to:

The 1st and 2nd floor of the Colosseum
The underground

The undergrounds can only be visited with this guided visit , they are not accessible for individual tourists.

It would be a shame to miss them, as it’s the place where the gladiators and wild beasts waited before entering the arena. There, you can even see the ancient “wild beasts elevator”!

The guided visit in English and takes around 2 hours.

After visiting the Colosseum, a Tiqets representative will take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill .

The meeting point for this guided visit with quick access to the Colosseum is located next to STERN entrance. Make sure to be on time!

As this Colosseum guided visit with Arena + Underground is extremly popular, it might not be available for your visit dates.

In that case, you should opt for that other guided visit. You will see the exact same things, it just lasts a bit longer (3h) and is thus a bit more expensive:

That’s a unique experience to do in Rome! With this Colosseum skip the line ticket, you will be able to visit the largest amphitheatre of the roman world + its underground by night.

During this guided visit, you will be treated as a VIP guest and be able to visit areas that are normally closed to the public .

This Colosseum by night skip the line ticket also allows you to visit the underground + the arena. It’s the perfect moment to enjoy the monument without the crowd and heat!

The visit is in English and takes around 2h.

As it’s a night tour, you will not be able to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill after.

Your guide will be waiting for you at Colosseo Metro station, near the green kiosk. You don’t need to print anything, just show the ticket on your smartphone and you will be good to go!

This ticket with access to the Colosseum Belvedere is not available at the moment.

This Colosseum skip the line ticket is the only way to access the 4th and 5th floor of the monument. It of course also includes the 1st and 2nd floor of the Colosseum as well as the arena.

This 2 hours guided visit in English allows you to discover everything except the underground.

After your visit, you will be able to go to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (not a guided visit).

As for the other guided tours of the Colosseum, the meeting point is located at STERN entrance. Don’t forget to be there a bit in advance, the tours always start on time. You don’t need to print your ticket , you will just have to show it on your smartphone before starting.

Buy your Colosseum Skip the line ticket with Belvedere Access now!

With this skip the line ticket, you will do a guided tour of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.

And you know the best? This guided tour is a “small group” tour, with a maximum of 20 people. It’s clearly the best way to make the most out of your visit!

Of course, this 3 hours guided tour also gives you priority entrance tickets to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

When booking this Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill skip the line ticket, they will give you a meeting point (It’s a bit different depending on the language you choose). Don’t forget to be there on time 🙂

You should book your skip the line ticket for the Colosseum now , as anyway cancellation is free of charge up to 24h before the visit!

If you want to learn a lot about the ancient Rome , it’s in my opinion the best Colosseum skip the line ticket with guided tour.

The OMNIA Card , also called Vatican & Rome City Pass gives you a priority access to the Colosseum (skip the line) and to other monuments in Rome.

It’s the Rome city pass I recommend if you are spending a few days in Rome. It will allow you to visit a lot of monuments in addition to the Colosseum.

The 72h version of the Omnia Card gives you free entrances to 2 monuments of your choice in Rome, and the Colosseum is one of them. The great thing is that this pass also includes free unlimited public transport for 72h!

The Rome tourist Card is another City Pass that will allow you to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with a skip the line ticket.

In addition, you will also get a fast track ticket for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel as well as a guided visit to St Peter’s Basilica.

Along with the Omnia Card, it’s one of the best city pass to save a lot of time at Rome’s must see attractions (such as the Colosseum!).

To purchase your Rome Tourist Card on the official website, you just have to click on the button below:

There are several websites where you can buy your Colosseum skip the line tickets.

As you have seen in this guide, they offer several types of tickets: Skip the line, with or without guided visit or audio guide and access to the various parts of the monument.

For sure, you will find the Colosseum skip the line ticket that will meet your needs!

My 2 favorite websites to book skip the line tickets for the Colosseum, Rome or activities in any other city of country are Tiqets and GetYourGuide.

They are all very user friendly and offer high quality services. On these websites, in addition to the Colosseum skip the line tickets, you will find all the entrance tickets for museums (Vatican etc…), tourist attractions as well as Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours or Rome guided tours (by bike, on foot, by Segway etc…)

Buying your skip the line tickets on one of these websites is easy and quick!

You have purchased your Colosseum Skip the line ticket? Now, you should have a look at all the other skip the line tickets available for Rome and the Vatican. They will make you save a lot of time!

As mentionned above, you can find all of them on the following websites:

GetYourGuide

And if you haven’t booked your hotel yet, you should also have a look at my guide of the best accomodations in the city: Where to stay in Rome?

You now have your Colosseum skip the line ticket?

Let’s now talk a bit about history, in order to make the most of your visit to Rome’s emblematic monument. It’s especially useful if you bought a skip the line ticket without guide! Thanks to this quick summary, you will for sure impress everyone during your visit 😄.

Along with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (both included in your Colosseum skip the line ticket), the Colosseum is one of the Ancient Rome historical site.

Built around 70 AD, it is the largest amphitheatre in the Roman world, with a capacity of 50 000 people.

The place was specially designed by the emperors to entertain the people. The Romans went there to watch more or less bloody shows.

Gladiators or wild animal fights, executions to death, the place has a morbid reputation. However, it’s less known, but the Colosseum also hosted theatrical performances or reconstructions of famous battles.

Nowadays, the Colosseum is Rome’s most visited monument, so you understand how important it is to book your Colosseum skip the line tickets in advance!

How to skip the line at the Colosseum – I answer all your questions!

To skip the line at the Colosseum, it’s simple, you need to:

Book your skip the lines tickets online by clicking on this link . I especially recommend the Colosseum + Arena ticket or the Colosseum + Arena Guided visit if you want to do a guided tour.
Pass the security control: don’t bring big luggages with you, it’s forbidden (normal sized bagpack only). No storage facility available on site.
Go to the “visitors with reservations” line with the tickets you purchased online and simply and scan the ticket on your smartphone. If you opted for a guided tour , you will just have to go at the meeting point at the time written on your ticket. Your tour will start on time and you won’t have to wait.

Yes, if you don’t want to do a 2 hours or more waiting line to purchase your tickets!

If you don’t buy your Colosseum skip the line tickets in advance , you will have to queue to purchase them before doing the security check. And it can be very very very long.

Yes, all the Colosseum tickets you will purchase online includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill . The only exception is the Colosseum by night guided tour, as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are closed at night.

Yes, it’s possible to buy tickets to the Colosseum online . It’s even highly recommended! You can buy the Colosseum official tickets on Tiqets website .

Yes, you can use your Omnia pass or Roma pass as a skip the line ticket to the Colosseum. With it, you can directly go to the security controls, without buying another Colosseum ticket.

It will depend on the option you choose. The basic entrance to the Colosseum costs around 20 euro s, while the most expensive guided visits such as the “Colosseum by night” can cost up to 100 euros per person.

The Colosseum is free only the 1st sunday of the month. It’s however really crowded!

If you are in Rome during a “free sunday” , you should go get your tickets at the Roman Forum or even better, at the Palatine Hill . Both tickets also include the Colosseum and the waiting line is a lot shorter.

Then, go visit the Colosseum, you will just have to queue at the security check.

The best time to visit the Colosseum is early in the morning , just after the opening (8:30) or 1 or 2 hours before closing. Closing time varies depending on the season. Unlike some other monuments, the Colosseum isn’t less crowded during lunch time.

Another great way to visit the Colosseum without the crowds is to book a guided tour by night. The best one can be booked by clicking here.

With a standard ticket, visiting the Colosseum takes around 1 hour. It’s a bit longer if you choose the ticket that also includes the arena floor or a guided tour.

As your Colosseum ticket grants you access to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum , you can count 3 hours total to visit the 3 sites.

Discover all my articles about Italy : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

Rome: The 25 Best Things to do
Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!
Milan: The Top 15 things to do in the city and around
Turin: The 20 must-see attractions

Italy travel Guides

Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Visiting the Colosseum

The Roman Colosseum is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see sight if you’re visiting Italy’s capital, the Eternal City.

Below you’ll find useful information to plan your visit, such as opening times, transport to the Colosseum, information about security and accessibility, etc.

Colosseum Ticket Options

ℹ️ Colosseum tickets sell out fast in high season. We recommend looking on both Tiqets and GetYourGuide to increase your chances of finding a ticket.

The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
St.Peter’s Basilica or Castel Sant’Angelo or Borghese Gallery (pick one)
Tour: Colosseum, Underground & Arena Floor Get VIP access to the arena floor!
Colosseum & Vatican Museum The two most popular attractions in Rome in one single reservation.
Colosseum Tickets Overview page showing all available tickets by day. We recommend opening this page in high season.
Group Tickets For group tickets (10+ people) visit our partner groupsightseeing.com

💡 Colosseum sold out? Try the Roman Ruins Pass A great alternative when the Colosseum ticket is not available. This pass includes access to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Imperial Forum.

(Access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill is included in all tickets)

Where is the Colosseum located?

The address of the Colosseum is Piazza del Colosseo, 1, in Rome, Italy . For those travelling by car, the Colosseum’s GPS coordinates are 41.8902° N, 12.4922° E . If you’re in Rome and want to find out how to go to the Colosseum use the following Google Map to find the best route from your current location.

How to get to the Colosseum

The Colosseum is very well serviced by Rome’s extensive public transport network. It can be reached by subway, multiple bus lines, and by tram. Below is a list of all public transport options to go to the Colosseum from practically anywhere in Rome.

Metro B line, get off at the Colosseum metro stop.
Metro A line, get off at Manzoni stop, then switch to the number 3 tram line going south.
Bus lines 60, 75, 85, 87, 271, 571, 175, 186, 810, 850, C3, and 117.
Tramway line 3.

If you don’t want to take public transport you can also take a taxi, just make sure that it is an official, licensed cab.

You’ll recognize them because they have the “TAXI” sign on the roof of the vehicle, are all white, and they have the Commune di Roma logo on the side.

Also make sure your cab has a meter, and that the driver turns it on when you get in, otherwise you could end up paying much more than you should.

Things to see near the Colosseum

The Colosseum is surrounded by other beautiful and famous monuments that are well worth viewing . The most important ones are:

The Arch of Constantine, a triumphalist arch dedicated to the Emperor of the same name. It sits right next to the Colosseum and doesn’t require a ticket.
The Domus Aurea , the remains of the grand palace emperor Nero built himself in 68 AD. It can only be visited as part of a guided tour (affiliate link if this is available?)
The Roman Circus, aka the Circus Maximus , the ground-level remains of an ancient chariot racing stadium. It is said that it could seat 150,000 spectators during the Empire’s heyday. It is best viewed from the Palatine Hill.
The Palatine Hill, which houses the archeological remains of many ancient Roman palaces and temples and offers a great view of the surrounding area. You can visit it with the same ticket as the Colosseum.
The Roman Forum, or Foro Romano , which used to be the center of Rome itself. A plaza where trade, politics, parades, and entertainment were conducted. You can visit and view its many archaeological remains with the same ticket as the Colosseum.

Tips and things you should know for your visit

Below are some tips and other important information you should take into account when visiting the Colosseum.

Like all major tourist attractions, the Colosseum’s security is quite stringent to keep visitors safe. Visitors are not allowed to enter the monument with large bags, suitcases, or backpacks.

If you are carrying your travel luggage you will be denied entry. Small and medium-sized bags are ok, but they will be screened by security personnel and go through a metal detector.

Italian military police, the Carabinieri, patrolling on horseback near the Colosseum

Skipping the line

If you have pre-booked your tickets you will get to skip the ticket line , but will still have to wait to go through security. Depending on the day and the time of year security can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over 60 minutes. Because of this, it is recommended you budget extra time for your visit.

A good way to avoid this problem altogether is to go early in the morning. The Colosseum opens to visitors at 8.30 am. If you arrive early you will spend much less time waiting and you will also avoid the intense heat of the Roman summer. Another way to skip the lines is to join a guided tour, find out more on our tours of the Colosseum page (link).

Is the Colosseum accessible for disabled people?

Yes, the Colosseum is accessible to disabled people. Its main entrance has no stairs, the inside is mostly flat save a few areas because of the old cobblestones, and there is an elevator that takes visitors to the upper floor.

Parking near the Colosseum

Regarding parking near the Colosseum — the most important advice for any visitor thinking of driving in Rome is don’t do it . Driving and finding parking spaces in the center of the city is very difficult if you don’t know your way around.

You’ll save money, time, and stress if you stick to public transport. Pickpockets can be a thing, but if you’re careful and mindful of your belongings you won’t have a problem.

Does the Colosseum have a dress code?

The Colosseum doesn’t have a dress code, but in exploring it you’ll be climbing a lot of stairs so make sure to wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. The same can be said of Rome as a whole. Shorts, leggings, hoodies… all are fine.

If you explore the surrounding area you may also spend some time in the sun, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen.

Is the Colosseum child friendly?

Yes, but you’ll need to do a little extra planning. If you’re visiting during the hottest months of the year go early in the morning to escape the heat. Joining a guided tour can also help with dodging the lines to minimize waiting time. Beyond that, it depends on your child. If he/she is interested in ancient archaeological ruins and in hearing stories about brave Roman gladiators that fought in the arena the Colosseum can be quite an enjoyable experience.

What is the best way to see the Colosseum?

The best time to visit the Colosseum is early in the morning before large crowds form, and the best days are during the week, as it will usually be less crowded than on the weekends. However, if you’re willing to spend a little more, a night time tour (link) is probably the most interesting way to visit. Keep in mind that the night tour does not include a combined ticket for the Roman Forum and the palatine hill as a normal Colosseum ticket would, so if you want to see those monuments too you’ll have to visit them separately.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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5 New Hotels Where the Past Meets the Present

Turrets, towers and tapestries greet guests at these evocative hotels in reimagined historic buildings in London, New York and beyond. (The food’s not bad, either.)

The vast central room of a grand, century-old building has multiple broad sets of stairways carpeted in red, blue and white. The top stairway leads to a wide, open corridor with arches and ornate columns. Above is a circular skylight with a crystal chandelier dangling from it. The walls and ceilings are cream-colored and trimmed with ornate embellishments.

By Stephanie Rosenbloom

When is a hotel more than a place to sleep? When it’s in a building with a storied past, allowing guests to go back in time to the Gilded Age or Edwardian era as easily as they go to the gym or spa.

Nowadays you can check into a 17th-century former soap factory on the French Riviera, or part of the Old War Office in London, or a Renaissance-palazzo-style building that was once a bank in New York. Here are five new hotels in historic spaces where you can experience the past and present, delighting in the architecture of vanished days even as you indulge in the latest luxuries.

Château de Théoule

Théoule-sur-mer, france.

This seaside respite on the Côte d’Azur was once a 17th-century soap factory yet looks like a castle thanks to a Scottish lord who, in the early 1900s, added turrets and crenelated ramparts. Near the Massif de l’Estérel mountain range, the property opened this month with 44 rooms and suites, some in the castle and others in villas. All have an airy feel, thanks to linen curtains, rattan light fixtures, hardwood floors and views of the Bay of Cannes.

While the building begs to be explored, soft sand and sunshine are the order of the day — and the hotel has its own beach, La Plage Blanche, with 90 sun beds. Château de Théoule is about 20 minutes from Cannes, though if you get hungry there’s no need to leave the sand. A beach restaurant and lounge has cocktails — like the Strambery Fields (elderberry-infused gin, vanilla syrup, strawberry purée, tonic and egg white) — and menu items that include salads, pissaladière (think focaccia with confit onions, anchovies and black olives), and grilled octopus with citrus fennel and chimichurri. If you can bear to leave your lounge chair, explore the area’s hiking trails, swim in the pool, or visit the hotel spa for a massage or body treatment.

As evening descends, head to Mareluna on the terrace of the castle overlooking the bay for Mediterranean food and wine with dishes like cuttlefish tagliatelle with avocado and smoked herring eggs. Prices from 360 euros, or about $390 in low season, and from €920 in high season (mid-June to mid-September). The hotel will close for the season in mid-November.

Raffles London at the OWO

The former workplace of government and military officials, including Winston Churchill , the Old War Office (known as the New War Office when it was built in the early 1900s) has long been a place of intrigue. Fans of James Bond may recognize its Edwardian Baroque - style exterior from some of the films, and indeed Ian Fleming , the creator of Bond and a former naval intelligence officer, is said to have visited the building. It’s now open to the public for the first time, with part of it reborn as the 120-room-and-suite Raffles London at the OWO, the first Raffles Hotels & Resorts property in Britain.

Inside the grand space, some of the offices of political and military leaders have become suites, including one named for Churchill. There are also corner suites that take their names from female spies and other women linked to the property’s history, including Viscountess Astor , the first woman to sit in the House of Commons, and World War II operatives such as Vera May Atkins , a spy who recruited British secret agents.

The hotel’s interior design is by Thierry Despont , the French architect and designer known for his work on the Ritz Paris and the centennial restoration of the Statue of Liberty, who died last year.

Strategic planning taking place nowadays involves when to book an appointment at the hotel’s spa, which spans four floors. Historic spaces have new purposes, like a former library that’s been transformed into a restaurant, Saison by Mauro Colagreco , with Mediterranean dishes from the chef, perhaps best known for his Michelin-starred restaurant, Mirazur , in France. At Mauro Colagreco , another of the chef’s restaurants at the hotel, tasting menus highlight seasonal British fruits and vegetables.

Visit the Drawing Room , a wood-paneled lounge with a Steinway piano, for afternoon tea or something stronger, which you can sip while overlooking the Horse Guards at Buckingham Palace. Or slip off for a drink in rooms formerly used by MI5 at the underground Spy Bar . Prices from 922 pounds, or about $1,162.

Hotel Casa Lucia

Buenos aires.

Once one of Latin America’s tallest buildings, the Edificio Mihanovich — commissioned in the 1920s by Nicolas Mihanovich, a shipping businessman — is now home to this new 142-room-and-suite hotel. Inspired by the shape of a lighthouse, the building was among the first things sailors could see when coming into port, according to Casa Lucia, and Mihanovich wanted it to be tall enough so that he could see his own ships.

These days, guests can benefit from his ambitions with bird’s-eye views from some of the soft-hued contemporary rooms and suites. Many have balconies with outdoor showers, and spots overlooking Buenos Aires and the Río de la Plata.

In addition to being near the river, you’re in the midst of all that the chic Recoleta neighborhood has to offer: French-inspired architecture, boutiques, galleries and tourist destinations such as the Recoleta Cemetery , where you can visit the tomb of the former first lady Eva Perón .

Back at the hotel, savor Argentine cuisine and, of course, wine at Cantina Restaurant , then go next door to Le Club Bacan , a moody cocktail bar with a large selection of Argentine wines. Later this spring, you should be able to drop by the completed fitness center or the spa, which will have a heated pool. Prices from $670.

The Fifth Avenue Hotel

Located in a building that’s more than a century old, as well as a new 24-story glass space called the Tower, this 153-room-and-suite hotel in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood harks back to the Gilded Age, when it was a home and carriage house. In the early 1900s the building was sold, eventually becoming the Second National Bank , a five-story Renaissance-palazzo-style structure designed by McKim, Mead & White, the architectural firm behind New York’s original Pennsylvania Station and the Brooklyn Museum .

Step inside today and you’ll see a shimmering lobby with chandeliers, walls paneled in antique mirrors, marble flooring and cabinets replete with curiosities. The interior design by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is at once playful and sumptuous, featuring tapestries and walls saturated with colors and patterns. The guest rooms mix old and new with antiques, Murano glass chandeliers and wardrobes inspired by traditional Chinese cabinets.

Going out to eat in New York is a must. But the chef Andrew Carmellini , a James Beard Award winner known for restaurants like A Voce, Café Boulud and Locanda Verde, tempts guests to stay in. The hotel’s Café Carmellini is his take on modern Italian and French cooking, with a menu that includes dishes like black bass forestière and cannelloni of lobster and golden osetra. Afterward, drop by the art-filled, wood-paneled Portrait Bar , with an atmosphere inspired by Italian villas, for a drink by a fireplace. Prices from $895.

Charleston, S.C.

The 25 rooms, suites and residences in this stylish boutique hotel are spread across three buildings in downtown Charleston, including two from the Victorian era. And they are ideal if you want the amenities of a hotel and the flexibility of a vacation rental. All rooms have full kitchens, as well as washers and dryers. Some have French doors leading to private balconies and terraces. You’ll hardly want to hole up in your room, though. An outdoor terrace off the main lobby has a fireplace that invites you to pause after exploring the neighborhood’s romantic streets dotted with gas lamps, historic architecture, boutiques and restaurants.

Alternatively, wander over to the hotel’s Lequeux-Williams House, a Greek Revival-style building that the hotel says dates to 1834. Formerly a private residence, it has been repurposed into restaurants overseen by the chef Jason Stanhope , the winner of a James Beard Award for Charleston’s popular Fig restaurant. They include the Quinte , an oyster bar and cocktail spot (you can order seafood towers, soups, sandwiches and ice cream, too), named for a 1918 billiards hall that was in the same location. Or try Lowland , a tavern with inviting dining spaces spread over two floors, including an outdoor dining area on cobblestone that’s hundreds of years old. Wherever you sit, you can tuck into comfort food like a biscuit with farmer cheese and pepper jelly, or a burger and fries. Prices from $399.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

Top 12 Things to Do and See Near the Colosseum in Rome

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: December 13, 2022

When in Rome, you must visit the Colosseum. But did you know there are loads more things to do and see nearby? The area around this iconic structure is brimming with history, and we’ve created this list to help you map out the top things to do near the Colosseum.

Pro Tip: Planning can be tough, but it’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our dedicated guide to planning your visit to Rome , where you’ll find everything you need. Also, check out our article on the best Colosseum tours .

What To Do and See Near the Colosseum

The Colosseum is undoubtedly one of Rome’s main attractions. It sits in a landscape steeped in history, so it will come as no surprise that around this iconic structure there are plenty of other great things to see and do near the Colosseum.

Once you’ve explored this list, use the toggle menu below to check out Rome’s other famous attractions.

Not ready to book a tour? See why a Colosseum tour is worth it .

12. The Palatine Hill

This is one of my favorite sites to visit near the Colosseum. The archeological complex is so big that you can find yourself alone among the trees and magnificent ruins. If you have a few hours to spare while in Rome, I highly recommend you make your way up the hill.

The Seven Hills of Rome

This is one of the seven founding hills of Rome. Actually, it’s the first hill, according to the legend of the founding of Rome. As the story goes, a shepard found Romulus and Remus at the base of the Palatine hill. Ironically, it is also where Romulus is said to have killed Remus.

Prime Real Estate

During the Republican era of the Roman Empire, this is where some of the highest statesmen had their homes—including Cicero himself. This area would have been prime real estate at the time, as the Palatine hill overlooks the Roman Forum, which was downtown Rome back in the day.

With the arrival of the empire, the Palatine Hill was drastically changed. The first emperor Augustus had a small, humble abode on these hills, as did Tiberius and Caligula. Compare it to 50 years later and the results are shocking. In contrast, the emperor Domitian built a massive palace that basically took up the entire hill. Imagine your palace was so big it took up an entire hill!

Today you can visit the palace area and its private arena. For more in-depth list with descriptions, check out the top things to see on Palatine Hill . While you’re there, be sure to visit these main areas of interest:

Circus Maximus Balcony
Casa di Livia
Claudian Aqueduct
The First settlements
Balcony overlooking the Roman Forum

Address : Palatine Hill

11. St. Peter’s Chains

St. Peter in Chains is a small church about a seven-minute walk from the Colosseum. From the outside, it’s very unassuming, but walk in and you’ll realize you’ve discovered a hidden gem.

In a story in the apocryphal Acts of Peter, the famous phrase Domine Quo Vadis arises, which means, “Lord where are you going?” in Latin. According to the story, St. Peter was a prisoner in the city of Rome, and an angel comes and liberates him by breaking his chains. You can see these chains in the St. Peter in Chains church.

Michelangelo’s Statue of Moses

This church is also quite famous because it houses an amazing artwork by Michelangelo—the statue of Moses. It was to be a part of a gigantic tomb for Pope Julius II (Pontiff 1503-1513). Originally, the pope commissioned Michelangelo to carve 100 statues for his tomb. This work would have taken Michelangelo his entire life, which you can imagine must have made him happy because his true passion was to sculpt.

Unfortunately, as the story goes, Bramante, who was upset with Michelangelo over an earlier slight, suggested to the Pope that Michelangelo should paint the ceiling instead, even though he was not a painter. Julius agreed, and Michelangelo begrudgingly signed the contract to paint the ceiling.

Ironically, Michelangelo was not happy about the commission and supposedly even tried to run away from Rome! The original design was of the twelve apostles, but after Michelangelo objected, Julius put the design in the Master’s hands and the rest is history.

In the end, the only piece that was completed for the tomb was the statue of Moses. I have to say that it is one of the most beautiful statues I have ever seen.

Address : Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/a

Popular Rome Tours

Best Seller

Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

This is our most popular Colosseum tour due to the incredible access to non-public areas like the underground chambers. All admissions are included and it is lead by an English speaking licensed guided and Colosseum expert.

Local Rome Food Tour in Trastevere Neighborhood

Are you looking for the best food tour in Rome? Embark on a Trastevere food tour that offers an excellent introduction to some of the best food in Rome. Led by a local foodie guide, visit some of our favorite restaurants and trattorie in Rome

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Rome tours to take and why .

10. Basilica San Clemente

This is one of the most fascinating churches you’ll ever visit. You can visit three different levels dating from three different eras, starting from the 12th century and working your way back to the first century! People have nicknamed this church The Lasagna Church!

The Twelfth Century

As you enter the church, you’ll get a feeling for what a church was like in the middle ages in Rome. As you work your way inside, you’ll notice the rich gold leaf decorating the ceiling and an eclectic mix of marble and granite columns surrounding you. The columns are not uniform, because during the Middle Ages, laborers would reuse elements from various pagan temples. Beggars can’t be choosers!

If you’re a history nerd, you’ll appreciate the Schola Cantorum (choir) in the middle of the church. This was an area blocked off right in the middle of the church where the monks would sing. While a staple of Medieval churches, at my current count, there are only three churches left in Rome with this feature, so it’s something special.

The Eighth Century

After viewing this church from the 12th century, head underground to visit the earlier church from the eighth century, which was on the same spot. At this point, you are looking at an early Middle Ages church. It’s at this time that many of the church’s traditions and rituals took effect, especially in the artistic form.

For example, it is at this time that Jesus started to be portrayed with long hair, a beard, and a sorrowful look on his face (Paleo-Christian depictions which are much different, but that’s for another article).

The First Century

As if that wasn’t exciting enough to see, you can go down another level. At this point, you’ll be 60 feet below ground and have been transported to first-century Rome. You’ll see various rooms of what was believed to be a warehouse.

However, the most exciting area to view is the Mithraeum. This was a temple dedicated to the god Mithras, who was a type of sun god originating in Persia. The worship of Mithras was very popular with Roman soldiers who imported the deity back to Rome.

After visiting the church you will understand why people have given it the nickname The Lasagna Church!

Address : Via Labicana, 95

9. The Arch of Constantine

Flavius Valerius Constantinus, or Constantine the Great to most of us, was the first Christian Emperor of Rome. A triumphant arch was built and dedicated to him for his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in A.D. 312. It’s an epic arch right in front of the Colosseum.

It sits in the Piazza del Colosseo, adjacent to the massive amphitheater, and took about two years to construct—which is record speed! The architect took some creative liberties by borrowing from some of the statues of nearby arches, temples, and structures to adorn Constantine’s arch.

It is the largest Roman arch and one of only three remaining arches in Rome. There were 36 triumphant arches by the fourth century A.D., just three of which have survived.

Address : Via di San Gregorio

8. Domus Aurea

Domus Aurea translates to the House of Gold and was a great sprawling palace built by Emperor Nero. He built it across the area affected by the great fire of A.D. 64, which burnt down the valley between the Palatine, Esquiline, and Caelian Hills.

This is why Nero was famously blamed for causing the fire. Historians speculate that his golden compound was between 100 and 300 acres large in the center of Rome. Much of the compound was dismantled after Nero’s death by one emperor after another. Vespasian most famously removed a massive lake Nero had built to construct the Colosseum.

To get an idea of its opulence you first have to understand that he built an artificial lake in the area where today you would find the Colosseum. Around that lake was a portico of marble columns a mile long. This was a level of opulence and power without limits.

Address : Via della Domus Aurea

7. Mamertine Prison

Just outside the north facing exit of the Forum, you’ll find the Mamertine Prison. It’s not actually inside the structure, so make sure you are ready to leave as you won’t be allowed reentry. The prison was said to have been built as early as the seventh century B.C. and was originally referred to as the Tullianum .

According to Christian Dogma, St. Peter was imprisoned here prior to his execution on the cross upside down. The prison was not intended for long-term incarceration, but merely a holding place prior to a trial and, eventually, execution. It was close to the Forum and Capitoline Hill, which made it accessible.

Peter was not the only prisoner of mention to be held here. Jugurtha, king of Numidia, was held in the Mamertine Prison for a short stay and possibly died inside. Vercingetorix, a chieftain from Gaul and nemesis of Julius Caesar who unsuccessfully attempted to unite Gaul against the Romans, also died here.

Most generals and high-profile leaders were pardoned after the war with the Romans, which was part of their process of getting nations to capitulate. There were some cases of extreme hatred, where Romans would be more demeaning to high-ranking opponents. The Mamertine prison was a foul enough place to seek that revenge. Also, if you wanted to display your human spoils of war, the Palatine Hill was a short walk away.

Address : Clivo Argentario, 1

6. Teatro Marcello

Many people mistake this structure for the Colosseum when they first visit Rome. It does look similar, but they actually built this theater before the Colosseum. However, unlike the Colosseum, you can only visit the outside of this cool ancient theater.

Once holding up to 20,000 spectators, the main entertainment here was theater and dramatics. To this day, if you happen to be here in the summertime, you can attend a classical music concert outside. What better way to spend an evening than by dreamily staring up at a 2,000-year-old monument as you listen to Beethoven?

The Orsinis, a noble Italian family, currently own the theater. One of the oldest bloodlines in Rome, this family actually has rights to and lives inside a property older than the Colosseum!

Address : Via del Teatro di Marcello

5. The Base of the Colossal Statue of Nero

the roman guy colosseum - things to do near the colosseum

Right across from the Colosseum metro station and in front of the Colosseum itself is the base of the Colossal Statue of Nero. It isn’t much to look at today, but an important element to pass by on your way in. You’ll see a plaque reading “Area Del Basamento del Colosseo di Nerone.”

The Colossal Statue of Nero was a massive structure that measured, including the base, 106.5 Roman feet, according to Pliny the Elder. That would be about 99 feet (30.3 meters) in today’s measurements. It was built in the likeness of Nero, at least his face, until after his death when it was modified to the likeness of the sun god Sol.

You have to imagine that this statue was almost the size of the Statue of Liberty, only 10 or so feet shorter. Built and constructed without any of the machinery used to construct our Lady Liberty in the late industrial revolution.

A great example is that the statue was moved after Nero’s death to right outside the Colosseum, and ancient writers said it took some 40 elephants to transport the structure. The last mention of it in history was in the late fourth century before it vanished into thin air. Today, all we have is a portion of the base with trees growing out of it. A great place to take a load off and enjoy the shade.

Address : Piazza del Colosseo, 1

Top Colosseum Tours

Customer Favorite

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Through the Gladiator’s Gate

You’ll enter the Colosseum through the back door entrance avoiding lines and crowds, which is ideal! You’ll step through the gladiator’s gate and your English-speaking Colosseum guide will bring the stories to life. Next, on to the Roman Forum. All admissions are included.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out why a Colosseum tour is worth it .

4. Ludus Magnus

the roman guy ludus magnus - things to do near the colosseum

Just across from the Colosseum on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano are the remains of the Ludus Magnus—the closest and greatest gladiator training school in the empire. It has many cells for slaves and even an underground tunnel directly connected to the Colosseum.

The Ludus was built by Emperor Domitian. Just after the Colosseum was finished in A.D. 82 (with a soft opening in A.D. 80), they must have realized there were some supply chain issues with great fighters, so Domitian decided to take it upon himself to rectify the situation.

The school underwent renovations and improvements, but it was more or less used for over 200 years. Gladiators came from across the empire to train, as free persons or slaves, in what was the Harvard of gladiator schools—the Ludus Magnus.

The word ludi could be used to refer to the games and training all the same. Once you entered a ludus , your primary skillset would be chosen and you’d be trained by a lanista. The word gladiator was one specific type of fighter that fought with a short sword known as the gladius . This was popularized by the movie “Gladiator” starring Russel Crow, which is possibly the best movie ever produced.

Address : Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano

3. The Roman Forum

palatine hill view - things to do near the colosseum

The Beginning

The Roman Forum was downtown Rome 2,000 years ago. Originally, it was a market, which was transformed little by little into a space full of temples, administrative buildings, and basilicas (courthouses, not churches).

As the legend goes, this swampy area was once a neutral no-mans-land for the various tribes who lived in the surrounding hills. When they needed to meet up, they would go into the forum and discuss serious matters. Today, we also go into forums to discuss things, so we owe this word, as well as many others, to the Ancient Romans.

Daily Life and Special Occasions

Imagine you were a senator in Ancient Rome: A large part of your day would be spent in the Forum. In the morning, you would arrive at the Forum and meet with some friends to discuss the day’s matters. Then, you would head to the Senate house to go over matters of government. After that, you’d head over to one of the basilicas to hear some of the ongoing court cases. Finally, at the end of the day, you would go to a temple to pray before heading home.

Another important feature of the Forum were the triumphal arches inside. When Romans had a military victory, they loved to show it off with massive military parades. These huge processions would wind their way around the city and go under these massive triumphal arches. Early on, these would have been made of wood, but over time they were replaced with ones made of stone.

While you could easily spend a few hours in the Roman Forum, here are some of the top sites to see:

Arch of Titus
Basilica of Constantine
The Temple of Romulus
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
Temple of the Vestas & Eternal Flame of Rome
The Temple of Julius Caesar
The Curia (Senate House)
Arch of Septimius Severus
Temple of Saturn

Check out more top things to see at the Roman Forum .

Address : Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6

2. The Arena Floor of the Colosseum

This is one of my favorite parts of the Colosseum. Imagine being able to walk in the same area where ferocious animals and bold gladiators walked 2,000 years ago? When you go on to the arena floor, not only is it a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you’ll be able to grasp the enormous size of the Colosseum as you stand in the middle of it.

The arena floor is one of the exclusive access areas that the Colosseum offers. It is quite difficult to get tickets to enter, but luckily you can come with us! We offer a 2.5-hour tour that includes exclusive access to the Arena floor and includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

When you are out on the arena floor, you get a 360-degree view of the enormity and power of Ancient Rome. Imagine you were just a simple farmer taken as a slave by the Romans, and then for punishment, you were sent into the arena to be destroyed by exotic predators. It would be intimidating to say the least. The last thing you would hear were the thunderous screams of more than 50,000 people as you meet your death.

1. The Underground (Dungeons) of the Colosseum

the roman guy underground colosseum - things to do near the colosseum

Underneath the Colosseum, there’s a complex labyrinth of tunnels once used by gladiators and event organizers. This is by far the most popular subject that visitors want to hear about and that was before they even opened the area for tours.

It’s really one of the defining features of the Colosseum. What other stadium or arena has trap doors that allow fighters or animals to elevate or pop out of? The underground or hypogeum was a very complex area. It had as many as 36 trap doors and areas to store an entire show’s worth of entertainment.

Without a doubt, it’s the most exclusive area of the Colosseum. General admission won’t get you there, but we have a Colosseum Underground tour that takes you there.

The Best Colosseum Tours to Take and Why

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

the red st basils church in moscow on a white winters day

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

man and woman standing in front of main church in moscow

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

red orthodox church in moscow russia red square on a winter day

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

woman in winter jacket standing in front of St Basils Russian Orthodox in moscow on a winter day

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

selfie of man and woman pointing to the Kremlin in Moscow

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

red exterior of lenins mausoleum in moscow russia

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

man in sinter jacket standing in arbat street moscow at night with glistening white lights strung from the buildings

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

people walking inside GUM mall in russia with christmas lights

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in my post about finding cheap flights that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

turned-on chandelier on ceiling of moscow metro

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

group of people walking in moscow red square at night with christmas lights everywhere

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

woman in head scarf hugging bronze statue of angry bear

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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For Baltimore-area residents, bridge collapse means longer commutes, uncertain prospects

Laurel Wamsley

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by the Dali container vessel, as seen from Riviera Beach, Md., on Tuesday. Carol Guzy for NPR hide caption

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by the Dali container vessel, as seen from Riviera Beach, Md., on Tuesday.

For Marylanders like Becky Grimes, who works at an Amazon warehouse near the eastern end of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the bridge's sudden collapse immediately changed the shape of her day — and many days ahead.

She normally takes the Key Bridge to and from work, but it now takes an extra half hour each way to drive through the city of Baltimore instead of around it.

What we know and don't know about Baltimore's Key Bridge collapse

"I'm not looking forward to it," she says. "There's a lot of people that already want to transfer out."

The collapse of the bridge and the closure of the Port of Baltimore is upending life for countless people in the Chesapeake region.

For many residents, it's the bridge closure that will shake up their daily lives, lengthening commutes and clogging the city's tunnels.

But for the regional economy, the far bigger blow is that the fallen bridge and the container ship Dali are blocking the Port of Baltimore .

A sign warns drivers heading to Baltimore that the Francis Scott Key bridge is closed and to use alternate routes. Laurel Wamsley/NPR hide caption

A sign warns drivers heading to Baltimore that the Francis Scott Key bridge is closed and to use alternate routes.

"Because of the port being suspended, we don't have any traffic yesterday, today, at least for the next week or a week and a half," says Brent Howard, president of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce. "That's money that we're losing every day because those ships are being redirected to other ports. Norfolk, Newark, Philadelphia are getting that revenue on a daily basis that was already slotted for Baltimore."

And the Key Bridge is a toll bridge that last year generated 7% of the total revenue for the state's transportation authority, according to an analysis by Moody's.

Mercedes, GM, Stellantis scramble; Port jobs are at risk after Baltimore disaster

Howard says getting the port and bridge running again is pivotal to the region , both economically and emotionally.

"We're the Chesapeake," he says. "Baltimore is really connected to the port and connected to water and connected to ships and vessels. That's something that's always been intrinsic to Baltimore's history, going back to our inception."

A bustling port, now in limbo

Brenda Cotsairis has seen the area weather its ups and downs. On Tuesday, she joined others at a lookout in Dundalk, Md., where the collapsed bridge was visible. Laurel Wamsley/NPR hide caption

Brenda Cotsairis has seen the area weather its ups and downs. On Tuesday, she joined others at a lookout in Dundalk, Md., where the collapsed bridge was visible.

As a little girl in the 1970s , Brenda Cotsairis's father brought her to a sandy beach to see the Key Bridge under construction.

She works at a local grocery store and has seen the area weather its ups and downs.

"For a lot of years, good jobs were gone and then things started to come back," she says. "And now we have Tradepoint Atlantic and we have the port bustling — it's a very, very busy port and it's thriving for Baltimore. And now it's devastated."

Baltimore's Key Bridge was built in the '70s, but has a deep and patriotic history

Daraius Irani, an economist at Towson University, estimates that the port's closure is costing between $10 million and $15 million a day in lost economic activity. And at least another $1 million a day in state and local taxes won't be collected while the port is closed.

Still, Irani says the port — which last year had its best year ever — should fully rebound. That's in part because Baltimore's port is about a day further inland than many others on the Eastern seaboard, putting it closer to points in the Midwest.

Businesses near the bridge could see fewer customers

The town of Dundalk is among the Maryland communities near the Key Bridge likely to see less traffic while the bridge is down. Laurel Wamsley/NPR hide caption

The town of Dundalk is among the Maryland communities near the Key Bridge likely to see less traffic while the bridge is down.

The bridge's absence will almost certainly have a longer impact on the small businesses located near its entrances on either side of the Patapsco River.

Joe Gold is the general manager of Key Brewing, a craft brewery in the town of Dundalk. Like the bridge, the brewery was named after Francis Scott Key, who wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner."

"We're not shut down I mean, it's not like that," Gold said Wednesday. "It's just ... the community is going to have to readjust."

With the Key Bridge closed, the traffic that would have passed by to get on I-695 is now taking alternate routes — routes that don't pass by Key Brewing's taproom.

"When I came to work this morning, past 95 to our office, it was the least amount of traffic that I've ever seen on my commute," Gold says.

He says that's a sign that people aren't coming that direction anymore, at least during their daily commutes.

Loss of ship's power and stiff current may have led to bridge collision, experts say

Is he worried about his business surviving? Not just yet.

"It's still too early," he says. "It's still too fresh to kind of know how deep of an impact this is going to have."

It all depends on how long it takes to clear the port — and rebuild a very long bridge.

Francis Scott Key Bridge
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15 reasons you must visit Moscow

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / 15 reasons you must visit Moscow

Home to almost over 12 million souls, Moscow is many things to many people, and everyone finds their own reasons to visit Moscow. There is an infinite number of reasons to visit Moscow and its attractions. To make it easier for travellers, we created a list of the crowd’s top fifteen reasons and attractions everyone should visit when in Moscow.

Table of Contents

1. Indulge in countless historical and modern artworks

Whether you are just dipping your toes into the art world or you know everything about arts, Moscow is a must-visit for every self-proclaimed or certified art connoisseur and historian. The city has numerous historical and contemporary museums and art galleries and they are essential in the list when you visit Moscow. Among the plethora of galleries and museums is The State Tretyakov Gallery holding the world’s foremost collection of Russian fine art. Another is the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts which showcases artworks from the ancient times to this day such as the paintings of Rembrandt, Botticelli, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The Moscow Museum of Modern Art , on the other hand, displays artworks created in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Moscow is not only home to famous historical paintings, the city also showcases modern, educational, and multimedia arts. The Moscow Planetarium is one of the biggest planetariums in the world. It is an interactive museum that educates everyone with their scientific resources. The openness of Russia to new forms of arts can be seen in the Multimedia Art Museum, Winzavod (Wine Factory), Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Lumiere Brothers Photography Center . These art galleries unite all forms of media, arts, and modern culture.

For the love of art, moreover, they have converted former industrial areas to unique art spaces. ARTPLAY Center of Design and Flacon Design Factory are two of the known art spaces for local organisations and artists to express their creativity, host their own workshops, lectures, design festivals, concerts, performances, and exhibits.

TIP: Open Museum Day in Moscow offers free day-time admission in most city museums every third Sunday of the month. Forty museums and art galleries are participating including the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow Museum of Modern Art, Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics , and State Museum of Ceramics and Kuskovo Estate of the 18th Century.

If you’re craving for more museum adventures, we have created a list of the best museum to visit in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

2. Step onto the mighty Red Square

Walk onto the uneven cobblestones alongside the throngs of bustling citizens and you’ll see centuries of Russian (and world) history reflected in the architecture of Red Square. It is the epicentre of Russia. The country’s major highways and Moscow’s main streets all originate from the Red Square. However, it is not only the heart of Russian streets but is also the heart of Russian history and culture where most of the biggest Russian events and changes unfolded such as high-profile executions and military parades. The city square also served as the main marketplace and site for national public ceremonies and festive processions. Being considered as a sacred place, it is absolutely a must-see when you visit Moscow.

Official commemorations and parades today are still mostly held in the square. The surrounding buildings of the Red Square also add great significance to why you should include the beautiful square on your bucket list when you visit Moscow. Some of these famous attractions are iconic:

St. Basil’s Cathedral
Lenin’s Mausoleum
The Kremlin
Kazan Cathedral
The historical GUM Department Store
State Historical Museum
The Iberian Gate (also known as the Resurrection Gate and Chapel

3. Visit the Moscow Kremlin

The Kremlin , together with Red Square was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. UNESCO included this architectural ensemble not just because of its outstanding design but also because of its rich historical and political linkage. That is why you should not miss this when you visit Moscow. It is located on Borovitsky Hill just above the Moskva River, on the west side of the magnificent Red Square. It serves as the Russian President’s residence and treasure houses such as the Armory Chamber Museum and the Russian Diamond Fund . Two Royal Cathedrals, the Secret Garden, and Ivan the Great Bell Tower are some of the attractions you can visit inside the Kremlin. Also, along the Kremlin wall is where you can see the gravestones of most Soviet leaders -including Stalin’s.

TIP: The Kremlin is open every day except on Thursdays and tickets for each establishment inside the Kremlin are sold separately. They also limit the number of daily visitors. May to September of every year is considered as the peak season.

4. Awaken your senses in the Bolshoi theatre

The Bolshoi Ballet Company is one of the most enduring symbols of Russia’s esteemed cultural traditions, and Moscow’s Bolshoi (Big) Theatre is the association’s fittingly elegant headquarters. Moscow’s oldest theatre has been painstakingly restored and renovated in recent years. It is a must-see day or night with their world-famous opera and ballet performances when you visit Moscow. Taking in an evening performance of a classic Russian ballet like Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is one of the city’s most captivating cultural experiences.

Aside from the Bolshoi Theatre, there are around 170 theatres in the city; each of which features unique performances. It is the sole reason why Moscow is coined as the “City of Theatres”. No matter what genre, as long as it is in Moscow it will be surreal. No wonder the city attracts all theatregoers around the globe. To name a few, here are the must-visit theatres around the city: (1) Maly Theatre which showcases classic traditions of Russian Theatre, (2) Moscow Art Theatre combines classical and modern drama traditions, and (4) Theatre of Nations and (5) Gogol Centre further popularized modern arts such as post-drama and comedy production.

TIP: Most people have been planning to witness a performance (especially in Bolshoi Theatre) for years. Remember to check and purchase tickets ahead of time before getting excited to watch the spectacular performance. Also, wearing your best evening dress won’t hurt.

5. Enjoy the ambiance of Moscow parks

While Moscow’s attractions are usually known as a mixture of extravagant Tsarist architecture and stern Soviet buildings, much of Moscow is actually surprisingly green and the city’s parks have grown into its pride and joy over the years. Take a break from walking around historical establishments and rest in these well-groomed green areas. These parks provide some of Moscow’s best people-watching spots and offer various activities you can do with your group or with the locals from playing sports and board games on the pavement to simply enjoying the outdoor cafes.

Slow down from the hectic pace of the city life by having a stop-over in the most popular green spaces when you visit Moscow. Gorky Park has its own telegraph and clinic, Park of Arts Museum often hosts music festivals, art fairs and exhibits, and lastly, Sokolniki Park and Izmailovsky Park have bike rentals and small amusement parks that are perfect for family day-outs.

6. Experience the magnificent Moscow Metro

Apart from being an extremely handy way to get around the city, Moscow’s metro system is a striking feat of engineering. Opened in 1935, it is one of the largest and oldest underground railway systems in the world. Its grand stations are remarkably beautiful. With their grandiose architecture, intricate mosaics, and dramatic sculptures, it has turned many metro stations into picturesque tourist attractions. There are 12 lines and a total of 200 stations. Elektrozavodskaya, Arbatskaya, Kievskaya, Komsomolskaya, and Mayakovskaya are just a few of the magical stations that seems to be like an underground palace.

Visit Moscow grand stations during “dead hours” —11 am to 2 pm or after 10 pm in order get the most out of the spectacular metro stations. And for the sake of courtesy and respect, always give your seat to Babushkas or the beautiful Russian grannies on the train. Train tickets can be shared and you can buy them for 1, 2, 20, 40, and 60 trips. Unlimited Metro travel for 1, 3, and 7 full days are also available from 210 to 800 rubles. Alternatively, you can purchase a Troika Card which costs 50 rubles and allows you to travel on all public transportation in Moscow.

7. Be amazed by the beauty & grace of Moscow’s churches

In Moscow, the majority of religion belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church which has 320 of total parishes in Moscow alone. Thus, it is not surprising that Orthodox churches and its unique architecture are one of the must-sees when you visit Moscow. Onion domes had long been known as the classic design of Orthodox churches in Russia. Below, we will mention some of the iconic churches you shouldn’t miss seeing in the city.

The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed or St. Basil Cathedral is perhaps the most popular and most unusual church in the country. It is located at the Southern end of the Red Square. Built in 1555, it is originally called the Intercession Cathedral to commemorate Ivan the Terrible’s victory over the Tatars. The bonfire-flame-shaped-cathedral has nine towers full of colours, shapes, and patterns. It was designed like a maze as a whole while each way leads to nine chapels with creatively decorated interiors. The magnificent cathedral is open every day except for the first Wednesday of every month.

With its golden onion domes, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is the largest cathedral of all Russian Orthodox Church and has the capacity of over a thousand devotees. However, there is another known cathedral with golden domes —the Cathedral of the Assumption. What makes this cathedral different is that its domes are not just gold, but they are also light-reflecting sitting inside the Kremlin. Lastly, we would like to feature a church with neo-gothic architecture –the Moscow Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral. It is the largest Catholic building in the country. To this day, masses and Catholic religious services are still being conducted in different languages in the cathedral.

8. Visit Moscow streets and the monumental architecture

The beautiful architecture of museums and churches, makes each city street a sight to behold. For sure you’ll have a jaw-dropping moment at least once when you visit Moscow. The streets around the Red Square are a good start for you to stroll and have them as background for your OOTD photos.

Tverskaya Stree t is known as Moscow’s fashion street and main street. This street is also one of the most expensive streets in the world, basing from the commercial rental fees. Another fashion district, Kuznetsky Most (literally translates to Blacksmith’s bridge)is where popular shops such as “Kuznetsky Most 20” – a famous concept store and “House of Foreign Books” (which is the best foreign-language bookshop) are located. Ulitsa Varvaka claims to be the oldest street and has the most churches in the city; it also shows the more medieval side of Moscow. If you are looking for high-end souvenirs, take a look at the shops on Arbat Street . Just do not forget to negotiate with the vendors and ask for discounts! Also, you get a chance to taste local vodkas as they offer free samples on the street.

9. Enjoy Moscow street food and fine dining restaurants

Moscow can surprise even the most demanding gourmands with the variety of foods , flavours and dining scenes the city has to offer. Russian cuisine is famous for exotic soups and rustic, hearty dishes like pelmeni (meat dumplings), pancakes with different fillings, and last but not the least, caviar. Sweets are also a big thing in the Russian kitchen and they are incomparable with other confectioneries that can be bought outside the country. “RotFront” soya bars , Chak-Chak Sticks and Kozinaki are just a few of the most popular sweet snacks in Moscow.

Great food is everywhere, 24 hours a day in the city. Yar , one of the oldest restaurants in Russia has been serving local Russian cuisines for nearly a century now in Moscow. Another restaurant, Praga , which opened 150 years ago is known for its European and Russian dishes in addition to their pastry shop on the ground floor. Cafe Pushkin , a three-storey restaurant is open 24 hours a day. Each floor has its own menu and theme: the Pharmacy, Library, and the Fireplace Room. The Library floor is said to have the best view of the Tverskoy Boulevard during breakfast. However, if you want to time travel, find the secret door of Mari Vanna and experience what it is like to live in a Soviet home 50 years ago. Watch old Soviet channels and look through old bookcases and photos while having traditional Russian stews and pies. And oh, do not forget to book for tables!

But there’s so much more to Moscow’s modern gastronomic landscape. From sophisticated new takes on old-school cooking to cosmopolitan eateries offering refined cuisine from around the world, Moscow is also boasting with street foods. Chebureki or cheburechnaya, as what some cafes call them, are fried triangle-shaped thin dough stuffed with minced meat and spices. On the other hand, Blini is a better option for those who have a sweet tooth. They are crepes that can be filled with, cheese, jam, honey, ham, condensed milk, or red caviar. Today, Blini are famously made and sold in Teremok — a popular fast-food chain. Another fast-food chain has popularised a Russian local snack: Kroshka-Kartoshka . Although the name translates to “tiny potato”, they serve enormous baked potatoes with cheese, pickled mushrooms, butter, and other fillings. And lastly, pirozhki, which means pie seems to be the symbol of Russian street foods. Just look around the streets and try the four local snacks that we’ve mentioned and you’ll realise that every food is stuffed and/or filled with something. Now it is your turn to stuff your belly with Moscow street food!

10. Shop till you drop in Moscow boutiques

Muscovites are mad-shoppers and once you see the brands and collectives in each shopping centre, you might become one of them. From the most glamorous high-end fashion brands, art and design pieces, to antiques and traditional handicrafts, the opportunities for a hardcore spree are endless. Make sure to drop by the two most famous shopping centres, GUM and TSUM when you visit Moscow. They are must-visits even if you are only there to admire (or baulk at) their stupendous swankiness.

GUM is on the east side of Red Square. It is a former State Department Store. The building’s architecture will instantly give you an extravagant feeling. However, along with its luxurious interior, comes the most luxurious brands and prices. It is open for twelve hours each day from 10 am to 10 pm. On the other hand, TSUM , a six-story historical gothic building is the largest high-end department store in Eastern Europe. There is a luxury supermarket which is open for twenty-four hours on the ground floor.

More affordable options are in the city’s many bustling flea markets, or in beautiful old boutique stores. Tsvetnoy Central Market and Kuznetsky Most 20 are just two of the known markets in the city where both hot and hippy street brands can be found. Local creative contemporary designers and high-end creatives are also housed in both markets.

11. Earn bragging rights with the perfect Instagram snap

Up your Instagram and Facebook feed with these views and different angles of the city. Shamelessly share your food and shoes with the streets and floors you’re walking into with your virtual friends. Or take a snap of the random streets of Moscow depicting their rich cultures. Also, do not forget the big picture! Which literally means photos of the whole city.

Did you really visit Moscow if you don’t have any photo of the Red Square and Moscow Kremlin? Stand at the centre of Red Square and Kremlin, take the most iconic shot and show the world that you were actually in Moscow. We’ve listed three buildings that have the best top views of the city. The (1) Federation Tower which also has the highest restaurant in Moscow, (2) The Moscow State University has a panoramic view of the city inside The Museum of Geography on its top floor and (3) Cathedral of Christ ’s observation deck have the most breathtaking top views of the city.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Garage Museum of Contemporary Art , GUM, ARTPlay , and Moscow Metro stations are just some of Moscow infrastructures perfect for your channel your inner artsy persona. While walking around the Moscow CBD, do not forget to look up and take photos of the skyscrapers as far as your eyes and camera can reach. However, if you want to take a break from all the spectacular man-made architecture, take a stroll in Patriarch’s Pond , where you can feel like a real Muscovite and nature-lover.

12. Moscow never sleeps

>Let it be known: Russians love to party! And Moscow is undoubtedly the party capital of Russia. The capital city has an incredible array of nightlife options and a scene for everyone. Whether you’re keen to catch a live Russian rock band or slink into a smoky jazz club, Moscow is there for you. Go clubbing till the break of dawn or just lounge around with a beer and an endless array of fine local vodka. We have listed our top five bars and clubs to help you decide which one to go to. Go ahead and get your body moving along the music while drinking with Muscovites. In that way, you can actually experience Moscow.

Propaganda , or Probka as what regulars call it, is opened in 1997 and has about the same age as the Moscow club culture. Aside from local drinks and world-class DJs, the club is also boasting with cheap sandwiches and steaks. On Thursdays, they hold dance parties and gay parties on Sundays. Nauka i Iskusstvo (Science and Art) is for you if music is the sole reason for your night out. The club is said to host the best electronic and hip parties. Noor Bar, nonetheless, is known for their classic cocktails which can be best enjoyed on Fridays and Saturdays while listening to their DJ sets. Just make sure to go there early to secure a spot. Another two famous nightclubs are located in Artplay: Pluton and Rodnya . Pluton promotes all kinds of music and art-performances while Rodnya is a rooftop club where you can enjoy dancing while waiting for the sun to rise in Summer. Squad 3/4 is one of the most bizarre nightclubs in Moscow. It is located at the basement of the former Central Baths building and often hosts bohemian raves.

13. Take a Moscow River Cruise

Cruising along the Moskva River is one of the best ways to see and visit Moscow. Ticket pricing of the cruise depends on the size of the boat; the bigger the boat, the more expensive and smoother its sailing will be. For 800 rubles, you can board the most famous tour boat in Moscow: the yellow Lay’s boat. It plays loud Russian pop music as you sail the river. Bigger boats cost 1,100 to 2,000 rubles per person. These cruises on bigger boats often offer cozy lunch and dinner on top of the cruise itself.

TIP : There are two main boarding piers: Hotel Ukraine and Park Kultury. If you want to save money, buy your tickets online and make sure to arrive earlier as it is hard to find the pier where your boat is at. However, if you do not mind spending more for tickets, you can purchase from street hawkers. They will personally guide you on where to find your boat and where to get off. Also, make sure to bring extra clothes even in the summer season.

14. White Christmas in Moscow

Visit Moscow and bring all your thick but light-weight clothes and experience Moscow’s white winter. The average weather in December is around -10 to 0 degrees Celsius with an average of 17-30 days of snowfall. Witness snowfall on the Red Square which transforms into a Christmas market and the biggest ice skating rink in December. Celebrate with Muscovites during the Russian Winter Festival and watch live performances, eat street foods, and play games from mid-December to mid-January in Manezh Square.

15. Explore the Medieval towns of Golden Ring

There is always more to see beyond the capital city of a country. And in Russia’s case, outside Moscow is the ancient region called the Golden Ring . The region’s name is derived from the golden onion-shaped domes of the churches around the towns and from the ring-like route in which 1967 art historian and journalist Yuri Bychkov travelled.

The Golden Ring is comprised of eight main cities:

Yaroslavl is where the Transfiguration Monastery (now a museum) and Ioann Vasiliyevich — a Soviet-themed hotel and restaurant.
Vladimir boasts its Golden Gate and the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
Suzdal is a thirty-minute drive from Vladimir, it has five monasteries, thirty churches, and a market square (Torgovaya Ploshchad) where you can local berries and honey.
Sergiev Posad is known to be the location of the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius — one of the largest monasteries in the world.
Pereselavl-Zalessky is where you can enjoy windsurfing and ride hot air balloons.
Rostov Velikiy or Rostov the Great is boasting its colourful churches and unchanged kremlin architecture.
Ivanovo is known for its huge textile industry, it is also known as the city of brides since there more women than men in the area.
Kostroma is where the town of Bui — a town of cultural heritage, and Trinity-Ipatiev Monastery can be explored.

Visit Moscow and experience and see in the Golden Ring afterwards. We have carefully crafted tours for every traveller like you.

Just as a cherry on top, here is an awesome video clip of this magnificent city, Moscow:

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This MagSafe power bank is one of my travel must-haves, and it's 15% off

Baseus 20W 6000mAh magnetic power bank

ZDNET's key takeaways

Baseus' 20W 6000mAH MagSafe power bank is on sale for $25 on Amazon right now.
It's extremely well-made and the magnets form a solid connection to your phone for wireless charging on the go.
It can fully charge a standard or Pro iPhone, and charge a Pro Max to around 80%.

For well over a year now I've been using the Baseus 20W 6000mAh magnetic power bank , first putting it through extensive testing before deciding that this was the perfect MagSafe power bank for both me and the masses, and adding it to my tech travel kit, where it has accompanied me on both on- and off-grid adventures.

Apple's MagSafe technology paved the way for iPhone owners to be able to charge up without a tangle of cables. Using the astounding power of magnets, MagSafe removes the guesswork out of aligning the charger with the charging coils, making it much more expedient and foolproof.

Going back to wireless charging that doesn't use magnets to align the charger with the device being charged feels like a step backward.

Also: This MagSafe accessory can record your iPhone calls for you

And that's how you know a technology is truly useful. Combine MagSafe with a power bank , and this gives you the ability to use wireless charging when on the move.

Baseus 20W 6000mAh magnetic power bank tech specs:

Capacity : 6000mAh/3.85v (23.1Wh)
Rated capacity : 3500mAh (5V, 2.4A)
Energy conversion : ³75%
USB-C input : 5V, 2.4A; 9V, 2A; 12V, 1.5A
USB-C output : 5V, 2.4A; 9V, 2A; 12V, 1.5A
Wireless charging output : Max 15W (7.5W for iPhone)
Wireless transmission frequency : 115 – 205kHz
Size : 97.4 x 63.8 x 14.7 mm
Weight : 140g

The magnetic power bank feels nice and sturdy and extremely well made. The magnets are strong, and make a very good connection with the iPhone even when using a case. It snaps into place satisfyingly and starts charging quickly -- as long as you remember to press that button to wake up the power bank.

The Baseus 20W 6000mAh power bank is small enough to throw into a travel bag.

The contact surface between the charger and the iPhone is made of soft silicone so as not to scratch your expensive iPhone.

All the contact points with the iPhone are coated with soft silicone.

Wireless charging the iPhone is limited to 7.5W. If you want faster charging, you can use the USB-C port and connect a USB-C-to-Lightning cable to do the job (just remember that you'll need to have a cable handy).

Also: The best MagSafe battery packs: Expert tested

Let's get to the meat of this review -- the capacity. This power bank is enough to fully charge a standard or Pro iPhone, and offers about 80 percent charge for the bigger iPhone Pro Max models.

A close look proves that this is quite a well-made charger.

You can charge this power bank in just under two hours using a decent USB-C charger (18W or higher), and it's also possible to use the power bank to wirelessly charge an iPhone while the power bank is itself charging thanks to its pass-through charging feature.

Included with the magnetic power bank is a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for charging the unit. Looking for the perfect AC wall charger for this power bank? Baseus has an awesome 30W GaN wall charger for under $20!

ZDNET's buying advice

The Baseus 20W 6000mAh magnetic power bank is one of the best MagSafe chargers you can get for iPhone users who want a tiny power bank without worrying about cables. It's available in five colors: Pearl White, Deep Black, Coral Pink, Misty Blue, and Nebula Purple.

Featured reviews

This anker usb-c power bank solved my biggest problem with portable chargers, and it's under $20 right now, this anker magsafe charger offers more than apple's at half the price right now, the best magsafe battery packs: expert tested.

Dallas Fort Worth Storms

Affected Airports - City , State Association:

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

For complete details View

American Airlines has implemented a special exception policy to our travel partners that is now available for our mutual customers due to expected o perational disruptions, including delays and cancellations , due to weather in the area.

Our Travel Notice exception policies on American are also available when ticketed to/from/through on our Joint Business partners: This applies to both prime and codeshare flights as shown below:

Inventory Requirements

Lowest Inventory, Same Cabin

If original inventory is not available rebook lowest inventory available in the same ticketed cabin. As a reminder, customers that do not hold a Basic Economy fare should never be booked into B inventory.

Basic Economy -

Must be booked in B inventory only. If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected. Advance Purchase and Ticket Change restrictions are waived.

Instant Upsell -

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for rebooking guidelines and Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com . IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

OTHS AGENCY RETAINS CONTROL OF TKT FOR REISSUES
OTHS INSTANT UPSELL ANCILLARY EMD ISSUED 001xxxxxxxxxx

Refer to Exceptions to Fare Rules .

Note: If customers are unable to rebook or reissue their ticket within the given timeline, they can cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket; all rules and restrictions apply. Travel must commence no later than one year from the date of original issuance.

Endorsement Box Requirements

Refer to individual Travel Notice for Event Name
Ticket Reissue required. This is the only required verbiage and supersedes all other information.

Instant Upsell (IU) tickets must use waiver code: TNADV/IU when rebooking in the Instant Upsell Inventory IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com .

Changes to Origin/Destination - Not Allowed

Waive Change Fee
Ticket reissue for original ticketed fare
300 Mile Radius is always allowed, unless otherwise stated in the notice
Changes to origin/destination are not permitted for the travel notice
Any changes made to origin/destination all fare rules apply

300-Mile Radius Only - Allowed

Within same country
For booking inventory, view Inventory Requirements

Basic Economy Short-haul fares

book in B inventory only.If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected.

Changes to Connection City

Changes to Co-Terminal

Changes to Co-terminal and MAC airports on AA Prime and AA*/Codeshare flights are allowed

• Co-terminal & MAC Airports are considered the same routing.

Reissue Policy Information

American Airlines will waive change fees and travel agents may rebook and reissue tickets provided the below guidelines are met and applied:

Ticket issued on the following ticket stock: AA 001, AY 105, BA 125, El053, IB 075, JL 131, QF 081
Applies to AA*/ one world flights
Travel has not commenced on the affected flight segment and the ticket has not been reissued by American Airlines
The first departure flight is more than 2 hours away
Affected coupons are in OK status
Travel reissuance only in accordance to dates identified in the applicable Travel Notice Exception Advisory
More than one change allowed without an additional collection, including penalty or change fee within the Travel Notice dates
Original issuing agency responsible for ticket reissue
Ticket Revalidation not permitted
The return travel must be booked in the original class of service (inventory)
Refer to Extend Travel Rebooking after the Travel Event
Basic Economy must be rebooked in the appropriate Basic Economy inventory
Please ensure the above procedures are accurately followed to prevent debit memo issuance

Rebooking - Exception to Fare Rules

Exception to Fare Rules: All fare rules apply with the exception of the following:

Advance Purchase requirement waived
Minimum/Maximum Stay requirement waived
Change Fee waived
When changes to the outbound travel occur, the unaffected return date may be changed to protect the original length of the trip. The return travel must be booked in the original class of service (inventory).

SalesLink Request

Rebook flights in compliance with Travel Notice Exception Policy
Log-in to SalesLink at www.saleslink.aa.com
Request Type: select 'Service'
Input AA PNR
Waiver Type: select 'Travel Notice'
Travel Notice: select applicable Travel Notice event name
Select 'Next' - and complete request
Verify: SalesLink approval remarks in PNR
New Ticket Endorsement Box: Enter event name only
Ticket Reissue required

Endorsement Box requirement: 31MAR24 or the exchange will be subject to a debit memo

Extend Travel Rebooking Guidelines

If customers are unable to rebook within the New Travel Dates, may reschedule their reservation to/from the same city or alternate cities and reissue their ticket with the below guidelines:

Cancel their itinerary and apply the value of the original ticket towards the purchase of a new ticket for travel commencing within 1 year from the date of original issuance
Change fee only is waived as long as the original ticket is reissued within ticket validity and the impact dates are in accordance with those identified in the Travel Notice
Basic Economy fares may only be used towards the purchase of other Basic Economy fares.
Residual MCO's are not allowed when using the TNADVE waiver code for reissue.
Extend Travel Rebooking does not apply to tickets in conjunction with Instant Upsell (IU)

Refund Policy Information

When the flight is cancelled or the length of delay is 91+ minutes , travel agents may refund ticket(s) through normal GDS/ARC/BSP processing. Refer to our Schedule Irregularity policy for delays 90 minutes or less.

Refund To Original Form Of Payment - All penalties/fees waived
Non-Refundable Fare
Refundable Fare with cancellation Fee
Basic Economy Fare
Bulk/Opaque Fare

Note: If the ticket has been exchanged by American as an INVOL submit the refund request directly with American. Refer to American Airlines Refunds .

When the flight is not cancelled or the length of delay is 90 minutes or less , a refund does not apply:

If customer elects to cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket outside the Travel Notice dates; may use Extend Travel Rebooking or may hold ticket for future travel; all rules and restrictions apply.
Travel must commence no later than one year from the date of original issuance.

En route/Diversion

Connecting customers' en route to one of the above-listed destinations or whose flights are diverted will have the option to return to their original departure city and rebook travel to alternate future dates.
Customers should work directly with the airport to obtain a boarding pass for return travel to their original departure city. If the customer wishes to rebook travel to alternate future dates, please contact American Airlines Reservations for assistance. Alternatively, they may receive a refund if re-accommodation options are unacceptable.
If a ticket has already been reissued by American Airlines or the ticket is partially used, travel agents must submit the refund request online at https://prefunds.aa.com/refunds/

American Airlines will continue to monitor this Travel Notice Exception Advisory and adjust this policy if needed. Changes will be posted on AA.com and www.saleslink.aa.com reference. Please check these sources frequently for the most up to date information.

www.saleslink.aa.com Reference: Select Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines
Visit www.saleslink.aa.com and navigate to AA News and Offers to view current travel notices.
Contact your Sales Support Center 800-621-8489 or American Airlines Reservations 800-433-7300 (U.S. and Canada) or for Reservations outside the U.S. and Canada, please see our Worldwide Reservations Numbers American Airlines encourages all customers to check flight and gate status prior to leaving for the airport. For complete travel information, visit AA.com .
Group reservations must be changed by AA Group & Meeting Travel
Information contained on this web site is subject to change at any time without notice. American Airlines shall not be liable for any consequences resulting from your reliance on the information.

A free one-day virtual conference for the whole C++ community.

How Copilot is being used by the Time Travel Debugging team for repetitive C++ coding

Sinem Akinci

April 3rd, 2024 0 2

Background

Ken Sykes and Juan Carlos Arevalo Baeza (JCAB) are both Principal Software Engineers who work on Time Travel Debugging at Microsoft. They are part of the team that maintains and develops the Windows Debugger (WinDbg) and related technologies. Their codebase is developed with C++ and CMake and they primarily use VS Code for day-to-day development of their code.

They have been integrating GitHub Copilot and GitHub Copilot Chat into their C++ development in VS Code and have found many useful workflows for the AI pair programming tool.

Download GitHub Copilot

To access GitHub Copilot and Copilot Chat, you will need an active subscription to GitHub Copilot. If you’re just getting started, please check out the VS Code documentation .

This blog post series has been written in partnership with Ken and JCAB to highlight their workflows with Copilot and Copilot Chat respectively and inspire other C++ developers on potential use cases to integrate with their code.

How we use Copilot for C++

Copilot provides AI-generated autocomplete-style suggestions as we code. Copilot has greatly helped our team with reaching new levels of productivity when interacting with our large codebases.

For example, it has been good at following our coding styles for repetitive tasks. We highly recommend Copilot to save you some time with repetitive typing.

This has been widely applicable to many areas of our C++ workflows, from writing test code to implementing classes. Two specific examples that have been greatly impactful in that we will expand upon below are adding additional methods to a class and generating classes after migrating library dependencies.

You can follow along with the examples in this sample repo : KenSykes/ExampleLibraryConversion: Demonstration of Copilot code completion (github.com) . Please note that Copilot suggestions are probabilistic, not deterministic, and you may not see the exact same suggestions as you follow along.

Adding additional methods to a class

Reference code : Branch: main, file: ExampleLibraryConversion.cpp

One of our favorite ways to use Copilot is to have it follow existing coding patterns to save typing. For example, we have a class that interacts with dbghelp.dll through function pointers (GetProcAddress-based delay loading). Recently we needed to add some additional dbghelp methods to this class, such as SymInitializeW . All we need to do is go to the places that define existing structs, press enter and start to type, and Copilot will dynamically update to fill in the rest. Then, we can edit down the results to get to the desired outcome.

After adding this new class member, we can scroll up to the constructor and notice that Copilot is able to offer a valid initialization suggestion for us.

Then, add the prototype for the wrapper and Copilot can offer a reasonable implementation.

A more complex example of Copilot helping with initializations can be viewed below for now a new Load Module object.

Generating code when migrating libraries

Reference code: Branch: convert_to_nlohmann, file:ExampleLibraryConversion.cpp

We have found Copilot helpful with managing libraries in our repository and refactoring code. Specifically, we previously used the rapidJSON library, managed through a vcpkg.json file, to serialize our structs into JSON.

An example of such a struct of information can be viewed here:

An example struct of system information such as major/minor version, and struct of processor architecture related information

The original rapidJSON code was hand-written and took hours to do (including time to become familiar with the library). While producing this blog, we found that Copilot could generate much of the code correctly once some rapidJSON boilerplate code is provided. See how easily Copilot can generate the JSON object using pre-determined o and s objects for rapidJSON:

We recently had a desire to update this library dependency from rapidJSON to nlohmann-json, since the nlohmann-json library is better-maintained. To start updating the code, all we needed to do was update our vcpkg.json dependencies to have a nlohmann-json entry and include this new dependency in our cpp file per official library documentation.

From there, Copilot was able to produce 80% of the code for this process with the proper formatting for nlohmann-json, letting the team focus on reviewing the generated code rather than implementing the fixes in applicable areas.

Generating code based on input data

Reference code: Branch: convert_to_nlohmann, File: ExampleParser.cpp

Copilot can also save you time writing parsing code. Given some sample input data pasted in a comment, Copilot can generate C++ structures and parsing code for you. To demonstrate this, we started with the nlohmann JSON parser, added a conversion for std::string , and then pasted some sample JSON from openweathermap.org in a comment.

An example of JSON data from openweather.org passed into a comment in the code

Now, watch Copilot go to work. Move cursor below the comment and hit Enter. You will start to get suggestions for code. Keep pressing Tab and Enter as Copilot writes out all the structures to represent the data and the nlohmann to_json() / from_json() methods, culminating in a ParseWeatherData() method that can fully parse the sample text.

The full Copilot-generated code can be found here .

If you look closely that the Weather field of WeatherData is a single element but the JSON is an array, so a std::vector<> would have been a better choice. Things like this are easy to fix up on your own, or perhaps add more representative JSON samples to the comment to give Copilot more context.

A big thanks to Ken and JCAB from the Time Travel Debugging Team for collaborating with us on this blog post!

Copilot can provide you with AI-powered assistance at many points in your C++ development, such as migrating libraries and initializing new methods. Download Copilot and try out utilizing it in your areas of repetitive coding! Please note that responses are generated by AI, so we recommend reviewing any responses provided and iterating when necessary.

Our team is working hard on improving C++ integrations, so please let us know any improvements you’d like to see to your C++ workflows. Additionally, let us know what other types of content you’d like to see regarding use cases or additional information about Copilot.

We welcome all types of feedback on your experience with the product. The comments below are open, or you can find us via email at [email protected] or via Twitter at @VisualC .

Sinem Akinci Program Manager II, Visual C++ Team

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Guide to the Colosseum
A Complete Guide To Visiting The Colosseum In Rome
Ultimate Travel Guide to The Colosseum (2021 Updated)
13 Reasons to Visit Colosseum in Rome
Roman Colosseum Essential Info
How to Tour the Colosseum and Sites in Ancient Rome

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Italy, Rome, Colosseum
Рим Колизей Путешествие Rome Colosseum Travel 20211203
Inside the Colosseum Rome
Exploring the Majestic Colosseum: A Journey Through Rome's Iconic Amphitheater 🇮🇹 #pickinntripin

COMMENTS

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome 2024: A Detailed Guide to Help you Plan
The full street address of the Colosseum is Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Comune di Roma RM. The Colosseum is a little way south-east of attractions like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Expect it to take around 25 minutes to walk from this part of the city to the Colosseum.
How to visit the Colosseum in 2024: all you need to know
The best tickets for visiting the Colosseum. Tips for visiting the Colosseum, tip 1: book online. Colosseum tip 2: understand its booking system. Colosseum tip 3: decide what you want to see. Colosseum tip 4: make sure you have ID on you. Colosseum Tips 5: don't stress about best time of visit.
How to visit the Colosseum in 2024 and skip the line!
Self-guided ticket. The first approach is to buy an entry ticket that means you don't have to join the long line to buy a ticket in person at the Colosseum. You can go through the official seller of Colosseum tickets, which charges the normal price plus a €2 per person booking fee.
Tips For Visiting The Colosseum In Rome
The Colosseum is a famous Roman amphitheater that was built between 72 and 80 AD. The three-tired theater is the largest amphitheater ever built, and the largest (still standing) amphitheater in the entire world. It is the largest ancient structure to have survived: It stands 157 feet (48 meters) tall and measures 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 ...
Tips on Visiting the Colosseum in Rome (2024)
The Colosseum is open year-round, with exception of January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.Opening hours are from 8:30 AM until 7 PM (or one hour before sunset). If you want to avoid large crowds, try to visit the Colosseum during the low season which generally runs from November until February. Keep in mind that weekends are busier than weekdays and try to avoid any dates near a major holiday.
Top 12 Things to See at the Colosseum in Rome
11. The Arch of Constantine. Flavius Valerius Constantinus, or Constantine the Great to most of us, was the first Christian Emperor of Rome. A triumphant arch was built and dedicated to him for his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in A.D. 312. It's an epic arch right in front of the Colosseum.
How To Visit the Colosseum in 2024: Tickets, Hours, and Tours
They are connected by the Via Sacra. Once there, you will easily find your way. 24h Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Ticket: €16 (plus €2 online booking fee) Valid for one day. Full Experience Ticket: €22 (plus €2 online booking fee) Valid for 2 days from first use and includes access to the Arena and Underground.
Guide To Rome's Colosseum In 2024: What To See & Essential Tips
This monumental amphitheater, standing for nearly 2,000 years, is a marvel of ancient architecture and the largest of its kind in the world. Despite centuries of wear and tear, the Colosseum remains remarkably well-preserved, allowing us a glimpse into Rome's intriguing past and its architectural prowess. This structure is not just a monument.
The Best Colosseum Tours To Take in 2024 and Why + Map
Thanks for reading our blog. For all of our Colosseum tours, they meet right outside of the Colosseo metro stop. More detailed information can be found upon booking. ... and Night Tour all visit the Colosseum Underground. I recommend calling our travel experts to coordinate the best experience for you and your group! You can reach them at 888 ...
Visiting the Roman Colosseum: advice and tips for 2024
The Colosseum is open year-round except for January 1 and December 25. Winters are mild in the Mediterranean climate, but if you still like it a little warmer, consider visiting between April and early May or between late September and October. We went in May and the mornings were beautiful though afternoons got hot.
Visiting the Colosseum in Rome; All you NEED to Know
Entering the Colosseum is a magical experience, considering what went on here literally 2000 years ago. 50,000 people crammed in to watch the most barbaric of entertainment. It only took 10 years to build and to do this day it's in great condition (admittedly with a touch-up here and there!).
How to Visit Colosseum in 2024: Tickets, Tours & Levels Explained (Rome
The Colosseum Underground (aka hypogea) is a sort of 'backstage' located under the Arena Floor. It is a network of corridors, narrow passages, and dark cells where wild animals were kept and where gladiators used to wait for their battles. ... On this blog, I share our family's travel experiences from all over the world, coupled with lots ...
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO VISITING THE COLOSSEUM IN ROME
the ultimate travel guide for an awesome trip to rome, italy; a beginners guide to visiting the colosseum in rome; why you should definitely visit the trevi fountain in rome; why the roman forum should be on everyone's bucket list? what to expect when visiting saint peter's basilica in vatican city; peru. iquitos
Explore Colosseum The Right Way With This Traveler's Guide
The Colosseum, Rome. An enduring icon of the Roman World, the Colosseum is a 620 by 513 feet elliptical building, once the site of an artificial lake. The lake was drained to make way for the Colosseum, to signify the end of a tyrannical rule. Built to accommodate 60,000 seated people and another 10,000 standing guests, at any given time the ...
Guide to the Colosseum: How To Visit and What To See
October through April is the best time to visit the Colosseum if you want to avoid the crowds. There will be fewer people and the weather is mild. If you do visit in the summer, early morning is the best time to see the Colosseum to avoid the overbearing heat. Speaking of which, make sure to prepare for the weather by wearing light natural ...
7 Best Colosseum Tickets: Skip the Line
PS: All the skip the line tickets include the Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill, except the "night VIP" ticket (Colosseum only) Skip the line tickets. Description. Price. Colosseum. Quick access - no guide. 24€. Colosseum + Video Guide. Quick access with video guide.
Visiting the Colosseum
Below is a list of all public transport options to go to the Colosseum from practically anywhere in Rome. Metro B line, get off at the Colosseum metro stop. Metro A line, get off at Manzoni stop, then switch to the number 3 tram line going south. Bus lines 60, 75, 85, 87, 271, 571, 175, 186, 810, 850, C3, and 117. Tramway line 3.
Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow
Day 6 - Explore the Golden Ring. Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a "theme route" devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.
5 New Hotels Where the Past Meets the Present
The hotel has 153 rooms and suites situated in a historic building and a new 24-story glass space. The Fifth Avenue Hotel. Located in a building that's more than a century old, as well as a new ...
Top 12 Things to Do and See Near the Colosseum in Rome
Vatican. Colosseum. Campo de Fiori. Termini/Monti. Jewish Ghetto. 12. The Palatine Hill. This is one of my favorite sites to visit near the Colosseum. The archeological complex is so big that you can find yourself alone among the trees and magnificent ruins.
21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow
1: Off-kilter genius at Delicatessen: Brain pâté with kefir butter and young radishes served mezze-style, and the caviar and tartare pizza. Head for Food City. You might think that calling Food City (Фуд Сити), an agriculture depot on the outskirts of Moscow, a "city" would be some kind of hyperbole. It is not.
Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]
3. Marvel at St. Basil's Cathedral. St. Basil's Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil's Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style.
The bridge collapse in Baltimore is disrupting work and travel for
A sign warns drivers heading to Baltimore that the Francis Scott Key bridge is closed and to use alternate routes. "Because of the port being suspended, we don't have any traffic yesterday, today ...
15 Amazing Reasons to Visit Moscow
There is an infinite number of reasons to visit Moscow and its attractions. To make it easier for travellers, we created a list of the crowd's top fifteen reasons and attractions everyone should visit when in Moscow. Toggle. 1. Indulge in countless historical and modern artworks. 2. Step onto the mighty Red Square. 3.
Taiwan Earthquake Latest: Four Dead, Dozens Injured, Tsunami Warning
Four People Killed and Dozens Injured After the Worst Quake in 25 Years Hits Taiwan. Worst earthquake in 25 years hits Taiwan, magnitude 7.4. At least four dead, 56 injured; 26 buildings have ...
This MagSafe power bank is one of my travel must-haves, and it ...
Baseus' 20W 6000mAH MagSafe power bank is on sale for $25 on Amazon right now. It's extremely well-made and the magnets form a solid connection to your phone for wireless charging on the go. It ...
American Airlines Travel Agency Reference
Contact your Sales Support Center 800-621-8489 or American Airlines Reservations 800-433-7300 (U.S. and Canada) or for Reservations outside the U.S. and Canada, please see our Worldwide Reservations Numbers American Airlines encourages all customers to check flight and gate status prior to leaving for the airport.
How Copilot is being used by the Time Travel Debugging team for
Background Ken Sykes and Juan Carlos Arevalo Baeza (JCAB) are both Principal Software Engineers who work on Time Travel Debugging at Microsoft. They are part of the team that maintains and develops the Windows Debugger (WinDbg) and related technologies. Their codebase is developed with C++ and CMake and they primarily use VS Code for day-to-day development of their code.

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome 2024: A Detailed Guide to Help you Plan Your Visit

An Overview of the Colosseum

Where is the Colosseum

How to get to the Colosseum

Colosseum Opening Times

What to see and do at the Colosseum

How Long to Visit the Colosseum For?

When is the Colosseum Free in 2024?

Do You Need a Ticket for the Colosseum?

How Much does it Cost to Visit the Colosseum?

Where to Buy Colosseum Tickets

Colosseum Tickets Sold Out? You still have options to visit the Colosseum!

How to Schedule a Time for the Colosseum

Official Colosseum Website

Can you skip the lines at the Colosseum?

Rome Passes that Include the Colosseum

Rome Tourist Card

Rome and Vatican Pass

Best of Rome All Access Pass

Options for Visiting Different Parts of the Colosseum

Colosseum Underground Tour, including Colosseum Arena Access

Colosseum Belvedere Panoramic View Access

Practicalities for Visiting the Colosseum

Security at the Colosseum

Accessibility at the Colosseum

Luggage storage Near the Colosseum

Tours of the Colosseum

Tips for Visiting the Colosseum

Which Colosseum ticket to buy?

Consider a Guided Tour or Audio / Video guide

What to Bring

Plan your Day in Advance

Be Wary of on Site Touts

Skip the Free Days

Attractions Near the Colosseum

Where to Stay Near the Colosseum

Further Reading for Visiting Rome

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How to visit the Colosseum in 2024: all you need to know

Visiting the Colosseum: address and transport

How to visit the Colosseum: opening hours

Colosseum special days, closures and need to know

The best tickets for visiting the Colosseum

Tips for visiting the Colosseum, tip 1: book online

Colosseum tip 2: understand its booking system

Colosseum tip 3: decide what you want to see

Colosseum tip 4: make sure you have ID on you

Colosseum Tips 5: don’t stress about best time of visit

Colosseum tip 6: wear sensible shoes

Colosseum tip 7: leave large bags at home

Colosseum tip 8: prepare for the weather

Colosseum tip 9: arrive early

Colosseum Tip 10: stay nearby

Tips for visiting the Colosseum in 2024: pin this!

How to visit the Colosseum with kids: all you need to know

Visit the Colosseum

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome

Why is the Colosseum so famous?

Why is it called the Colosseum?

Is it easy to visit the Colosseum?

History of the Colosseum

Things to see at the Colosseum

Arch of Constantine

Tiers of seating

The Emperor’s Box

The arena floor

The hypogeum

How to skip the line for the Colosseum

Self-guided ticket

Visiting the Colosseum

When is the Colosseum open?

How much does it cost to visit the Colosseum?

Is the Colosseum included in the Vatican and Rome Pass?

Should you do a tour at the Colosseum?

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ROME

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