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Rome - The Colosseum (Ratings: 4.6/5)

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an ancient amphitheatre in the center of Rome, Italy. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built and remains the largest standing one in the world, despite its age. The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.


Website Ratings:

Google: 4.7/5

TripAdvisor: 4.5/5


Information: The Colosseum (nationalgeographic.org)


Main Positive Reviews:

Visitors are amazed by the rich history and the grandeur of the structure.
Many reviewers praise the impressive architecture and engineering.
Guided tours are highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the site.
The Colosseum is a great spot for photography, especially during sunset.
Visitors appreciate the cultural and educational experience.
Recommend visiting this place among the many other beautiful historical landmarks in Rome. Absolutely recommend the early morning skip-the-line small group tour, which includes an underground tour where you can see where the gladiators prepared and how the animals were brought into the arena. If traveling in July, be prepared to deal with crowds and heat; definitely consider it as part of your trip.
There is so much to learn, and it’s amazing to stand in a building that’s hundreds of years old; very impressive. Nothing more to say. If you are interested in the Roman Empire, just visit
The Colosseum is very beautiful and impressively large. It’s a place full of history and takes about 2-3 hours to leisurely explore everything. Different floors offer fascinating insights into the past. Especially in the evening, the Colosseum looks even more majestic under the lights. Absolutely a must-visit when in Rome!

Main Negative Reviews:

The site is often overcrowded, making it difficult to enjoy.
Long waiting times even with pre-booked tickets.
Some visitors feel that certain areas are overly commercialized.
Some find the cost of guided tours and souvenirs expensive.
A few reviewers mentioned parts of the Colosseum being under restoration, affecting their visit.
Apart from being expensive, there are too many visitors. You can hardly walk, let alone breathe there. Given the prices they charge, they could sell fewer tickets to allow people to appreciate it better.
It’s better to see it from the outside, as the inside is not worth the price they charge. The queues are too long and the prices too high. Just look at it from the outside; the inside of the Colosseum is very crowded. There’s not much to see inside, only ruins.
Additionally, there are many street vendors around the Colosseum trying to sell souvenirs at high prices.
The staff’s attitude is poor; too many tourists, and too many pushy vendors.
There are no clear signs indicating where you should queue, and many people end up in the wrong line, only realizing it when they reach the entrance
One visitor booked his tickets in advance, but they only appeared in his email at the last minute! They also delayed his entrance time by 1 hour! And he had to wait in the scorching sun to get in... The museum inside is mediocre, not worth it, and there are many stairs to climb, to the point where you feel you can't go any further.

Overall Analysis

Approx. Cost:

Entry Fee:

Standard Ticket: €16

Reduced Ticket: €2 (EU citizens aged 18-25)

Free Entry: EU citizens aged under 18 and over 65

Guided Tours: Typically range from €30 to €100 depending on the tour package.


Main Pros: Historical significance, impressive architecture, educational value, guided and audio tours, photogenic spots.

Main Cons: Overcrowding, long queues, high prices, maintenance issues, commercialized areas.


Is it Worth Visiting:

The Colosseum is a must-visit landmark in Rome, offering a deep dive into ancient Roman history and architecture. Despite the challenges of overcrowding and commercialization, the overall experience is highly valued by most visitors. The average ratings from Google and TripAdvisor are 4.6/5, indicating a generally positive reception. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance, consider guided tours for a richer experience, and be prepared for the crowds and possible heat.


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