One of my bucket list goals is to see all 7 of the wonders of the world. The second one to cross off my list is the Colosseum in Rome, Italy! Visiting a World Wonder can seem daunting. This blog will give you all the helpful travel tips for exploring the Colosseum in Italy!
The Colosseum is an immense amphitheater, completed in 80AD, whose remains we can still see today. The Colosseum was built for the favorite spectacles of Roman times and became the symbol of the city and its life. This was also the origin of the professional gladiators, who were trained to fight to the death. The Colosseum is 187 meters at its longest, and the height of the external rings reaches 50 meters from the ground level. It is designed to hold 60,000 spectators.
The Roman Forum is right next to the Colosseum and is a must while exploring Rome. Enter one of the largest open-air museums in the world, under the Arch of Titus. To your right is the Temple of Venus and Roma. A famous spot for Nero, and It is also another excellent view of the Colosseum from the temple ruins. As you make your way down the Sacred Road (Via Sacra); stop to look at the House of the Vestal Virgins, the Basilica of Maxentius, and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina. Near the end check out the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
You can also access Trajan’s Forum from the Roman Forum as you pass through the Forum of Julius Caesar. This includes The Trajan’s Markets, the Temple of Mars, and the Forum of Nerva.
Where Can You Find It
Located right in the heart of Rome, Italy, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum are right next to each other. The Roman Forum was the center and life in Roman times. The Roman Forum has two entrances: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, and Via di San Gregorio. The entrance on the square of the Colosseum leads to the ‘newer’ section of the Forum. You can also visit via Palatine Hill. There is only one entrance and exit to the Colosseum which can be found near the Arch of Constantine.
Depending on where you are staying in Rome, it is easy just to walk to the main entrances or get a taxi. Public transportation is also an option. The metro and bus stop closest to the Colosseum is Stop Colosseo (line B).
The Palatine is a historical Roman hill. Facing the Forum and the Colosseum, you can get an amazing aerial view of ancient Rome. According to legend, it was on the Palatine That Romulus first traced the square outline of the city, and from then on served as the seat of the Roman Kings.
Best Time To Go
As far as seasons go, Summer in Italy is the most crowded and the hottest. I highly recommend visiting in the off-season (November-February). October is a great month to visit as well, it is said to be a rainy month, but in the 9 days we were there, it rained once. (And only for about an hour). You can still expect the crowds, but if you get to the attractions early, it will not be as dense as in the afternoon. It can also be quite warm later in the day. Temperatures can be in the high 70s and low 80s (25 Celcius).
Tickets and Currency
Get your tickets early! Know the dates you want to visit the Colosseum and the Forum and buy them in advance! They tend to sell out quickly, and you want to be the first ones in! Opening times usually sell at 8-9 am. Tickets are around 20 Euros per person, deepening on what ticket you buy. Each ticket usually includes entry to the Roman Forum, but you can decide on which level you want to visit in the Colosseum. Get Your Guide or TickItaly are great resources for finding tickets.
If you don’t buy your tickets online, you can purchase your tickets at the Colosseum. Credit cards are usually accepted. However, if you wish to pay in cash, bring Euros.
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is spoken near the hotels and resorts, but I highly recommend learning a few phrases in Italian. (Please and thank you, I’m sorry, I don’t speak Italian, where is the bathroom, and I need help.)
What To Bring
Here you can find a full packing list, but I recommended bringing comfortable walking shoes. You will be walking a lot while exploring the Colosseum and the Forum, you want to be comfortable!
Don’t forget your camera, of course! Make sure it is fully charged and the memory is cleared. You will be snapping photos all day!
Water, you will want to have at least one water bottle per person. It can be hot as you are exploring and it is good to be prepared.
Umbrella (for the hot sun, there is a limited amount of shade)
Sunglasses and/or a sunhat again, to protect you from the sun.
If you decide not to go with a guide, I highly recommend downloading a map for the Forum, it gives you a better idea of what you are looking at and what it must have been like during the ancient Roman times!
Extra Tips:
How much time to budget? Typically the tours for both the Colosseum and the Forum will be an all-day event. But if you are on your own, I would budget a few hours for the Colosseum and at least three for the Roman Forum.
Food/drinks. There aren’t any concessions inside the Colosseum or Forum. But you can easily find a restaurant or shop right outside the sights.
If you are looking to get a photo without anyone in it. Go early! It is easy to get a photo outside the Colosseum early in the morning.
From Rome, you can choose between several day trips, or head north to Milan for more adventures!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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