Colosseum: The Ultimate Guide
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This month I FINALLY visited the Colosseum!
If you’re going to be a travel blogger, it kinda seems like one of those places you just have to go to…if only for the picture.
Personally, I have never had a huge interest in ancient Roman history. I always prioritized traveling to other locations over the Colosseum because I have heard how intense the crowds and pickpockets can be.
I will admit now that I was presently surprised! The Colosseum, just from the outside alone, is really breathtaking. The crowds were there, but they were manageable.
I do not think you have to be a giant fan of the Roman Empire to have a worthwhile time at the Colosseum. Educating yourself on it’s history in advance and/or joining a guided tour will certainly help you fill in the gaps.
As long as you:
- Buy your skip-the-line ticket in advance
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Use common sense when it comes to your personal belongings
…you will have a great time!
If you’re curious about my experience and/or you’ve always wanted to visit the Colosseum for yourself, read on…
History
So you wanna visit the Colosseum! One of the most visited attractions in the Europe (and the world,) the Colosseum is one of the few standing buildings we have left from the ancient world.
With construction completed in 80 AD, the primary function of this grand amphitheater was to entertain the general public. The Roman Empire had a huge global presence, and the Colosseum was a strategic symbol of their power. As a spectator, you were fed and entertained usually with blood sport, but also theater, executions, and animal hunts. In a way, this was one strategy to keep the general public satisfied with the reining empire as their immediate needs were being taken cared of while in the Colosseum.
The Colosseum has been used throughout history in different ways following the demise of the Roman Empire. It’s function has changed throughout the years as a castle, cemetery, housing, and a center for religious activity. The amphitheater has also been damaged over time due to earthquakes, pollution, foot traffic and theft of it’s stone.
Location
The Colosseum is located near the historic center of Rome, Italy in the southern area of Europe. The nearby international Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean is only about a 30 minute drive away.
The Ciampino Airport (CIA), about 20 minutes away, is a much smaller airport that you will likely only use if coming from a nearby European or North African destination.
In the same location of the Colosseum you will also find Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, two sites that help better to understand the full story of Roman history.
Be on the lookout for pickpockets and scammers! It is best to wear a money belt, or even wear your backpack facing forward.
Price
The price of the Colosseum varies based on the type of experience that you are looking for.
Looking for a general admission ticket and don’t mind a long line? You can expect to pay 12 euros in person at the ticket counter.
Would you like to skip the line? You can expect to pay 19 euros. This also includes access to the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill!
Regardless of your preference, I HIGHLY advise you to buy your ticket in advance of your trip!
Crowds
What I have noticed with a lot of top European destinations is that they work hard to tame the often ridiculous crowds. They do this by assigning a time slot to your skip-the-line entry, whether it’s the Colosseum or The Louvre. So, your time for entry into The Louvre in Paris might say 3 June, 2019 at 1300 hours (1 pm.) This means that if you arrive before or after that time, you might be refused entry and have to wait in the general admission line. However, the employee at the front gate may have a relaxed attitude about it and let you in regardless. But it is better to stay on the safe side.
Today, the Colosseum can only safely accommodate 3,000 people. But in it’s heyday, estimates report the Colosseum’s sitting capacity was 50,000-80,000!
Clothing
One of my biggest tips for you would be to wear comfortable shoes! The walkway inside is uneven and bumpy. I’m sure most people know that it’s probably not a good idea to wear heels in a old European city full of cobblestone. But that also goes for flats as well. Try to wear tennis shoes or shoes with some sort of memory foam insert or something similar. The stairs to get to the upper level are particularly steep, so be on the lookout for that as well!
The Colosseum is not a church or a religious building, so there are no real dress codes here unlike some other nearby attractions, such as Vatican City. If you are visiting in the late spring or summer, you may want to consider dressing in light layers as you may get hot from the combination of heat, humidity, and crowds in general.
Tours
If it is within your budget, I do recommend a guided tour in every city you visit in order to hear history straight from the source. One of the best places to get a guided tour in Rome would (of course) be The Colosseum!
There are many great tours to choose from, and these are the best ones worth mentioning:
Colosseum Night Tour ($85+)
Colosseum Tour For Kids ($78+)
Small Group Colosseum Tour ($112+)
Supplemental Information
I know the tours can be pricey, so it is understandable if you want to just purchase a regular ticket. In this situation, I highly suggest you familiarize yourself (before your trip) with Roman history via Youtube, Documentaries, Movies, Guidebooks, etc. This way, your visit to the Colosseum will feel a lot more meaningful.
Here is a short list of some options:
Youtube: Colosseum Ancient History
Youtube: Ancient Rome In 20 Minutes
Additional Photos
Have you ever been to the Colosseum?
Do you have any additional questions about it?
I’d love to know in the comments below! 🙂
*****PIN FOR LATER!*****
2 Comments
Cyprus diving
We are a family run dive centre in Cyprus, we love your content.
Dominique
Thanks!