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
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Explore the Colosseum's Interior
A visit to the interior of the Colosseum is a must. You can walk through the vast arena where gladiators fought and see the underground chambers (the hypogeum) where animals and fighters were kept before their battles. The upper tiers offer stunning views of the arena and the surrounding ancient Roman sites.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. There are also skip-the-line or guided tours available, which often include access to restricted areas like the hypogeum and the arena floor.
2. Walk the Arena Floor
If you take a special guided tour, you may get to walk on the arena floor, the same place where gladiators once faced off in combat. Standing in the middle of the arena gives you a unique perspective of the sheer size of the Colosseum and the atmosphere that must have surrounded the ancient games.
Tip: This is often part of the "Full Experience" ticket, which includes access to areas not available with general admission.
3. Visit the Underground Hypogeum
The hypogeum is the underground area beneath the arena where gladiators and animals awaited their turn to enter the Colosseum. This labyrinth of tunnels and chambers offers a fascinating look at the hidden machinery and trapdoors that were used to create dramatic entrances during the games.
Tip: Access to the hypogeum is limited and typically available through guided tours, so book in advance.
4. Climb to the Upper Levels for a Panoramic View
The upper levels of the Colosseum provide an incredible vantage point from which to look out over the entire amphitheater and the Roman Forum nearby. The panoramic view from the top is one of the best in the city, offering a sense of just how massive the Colosseum is.
Tip: The upper tiers are not always open to the public unless you book a specific tour, so check your ticket options in advance.
5. Visit the Colosseum at Night
One of the most magical ways to experience the Colosseum is by visiting it at night. Some tours offer special after-hours access, allowing you to explore the amphitheater when it's beautifully illuminated and far less crowded. The atmosphere is serene, and the history of the Colosseum feels even more alive under the night sky.
Tip: The night tour also often includes access to the underground and arena floor, which is a special experience without the daytime crowds.
6. Tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Your ticket to the Colosseum also includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both of which are within a short walk of the Colosseum. The Roman Forum was the center of ancient Rome’s political, commercial, and judicial life, and Palatine Hill is the legendary birthplace of Rome and home to some of its most important ancient ruins.
Tip: Start your tour at Palatine Hill for a bird’s-eye view of the Forum before descending to explore it in more detail.
7. Learn at the Colosseum Museum
Inside the Colosseum, there’s a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the history of the amphitheater, its construction, and the events that took place there. Exhibits include ancient artifacts, models of the Colosseum, and explanations of how the gladiatorial games worked.
Tip: This is a great way to deepen your understanding of the Colosseum’s history before or after exploring the structure.
8. Take a Combined Tour with the Domus Aurea
For a deeper dive into ancient Roman history, consider a combined tour of the Colosseum and Nero’s Golden House (Domus Aurea), which is located nearby. The Domus Aurea was a grand palace built by Emperor Nero before the Colosseum was constructed. The tour takes you through the ruins of the palace, complete with virtual reality reconstructions that bring it back to life.
Tip: The Domus Aurea is only accessible via guided tours, so check for availability in advance.
9. Visit the Arch of Constantine
Just beside the Colosseum stands the impressive Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch built in AD 315 to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. The arch is richly decorated with reliefs and sculptures, many of which were taken from earlier monuments. It’s one of the best-preserved triumphal arches in Rome and offers a great photo opportunity with the Colosseum in the background.
10. Take a Virtual Reality Tour
For a more interactive experience, try a virtual reality tour of the Colosseum. Using VR headsets, you can see reconstructions of the Colosseum as it appeared in its prime, complete with roaring crowds, gladiatorial battles, and even the ancient cityscape of Rome. This immersive experience is a fun way to bring history to life for visitors of all ages.
Tip: These tours are offered by various companies and can be booked in advance or at the site.
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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