Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Colosseum is a gladiator fight taking place under the scorching Roman sun. Sadly, crowds are the reality! So the question is when to visit the Colosseum? In our opinion during your Rome city tour,
When the Colosseum is least crowded, it is the ideal time to visit. There are two optimal times of the day. Early in the morning is the second-least busiest time of day and the best time to see the Colosseum.
The Colosseum gains extra charm when the sun sets because of the gentle lighting that emphasizes its majesty. This famous landmark in Rome gives an alternative viewpoint after dark, allowing visitors to take in the city's history and architecture in a calm and expressive environment.
It’s better to see the Colosseum at night as it promises to be an amazing trip into the past, whether you're a history enthusiast, a photographer, or just looking for a unique experience. You shouldn't miss out on this, whether you choose to go on an exclusive night tour or a Rome self-guided tour of the Colosseum!
The first thing that strikes you when you enter the Colosseum at night during Rome sightseeing is the (almost) quiet.
After hours, the Colosseum is only open to a small number of tour groups at a time, making for an experience that remarkably feels like having the entire monument to yourself.
It is truly fantastic to slide past security and drop down into the Colosseum, maybe grinning at all of the empty security checkpoints where less fortunate tourists had to stand in long lines earlier in the day.
It's a memorable experience to wander around the Underground, learn about the building's (sometimes very sad) past, and gaze out over the arena when the only light coming from the moon is above.
The best way to see the Colosseum, especially during the day is via a self-guided tour, that includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Audio Tour through which you can learn about this building and others at your own pace. Taking the Colosseum audio tour will simply make your trip extraordinarily good.
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Undoubtedly, there are certain unique drawbacks to visiting the Colosseum at night as opposed to during the day, as much as we enjoyed exploring the site after it closed for the day.
This is particularly true if you're visiting Rome for the first time and have never been to the Colosseum!
When determining whether it’s better to see the Colosseum at night, take into account these important benefits and drawbacks.
It is impossible to stress how wonderful the Colosseum's nighttime ambiance is, and it is the main reason to schedule a night tour.
There is nothing quite like the mood inside the Colosseum after hours—the silence, the spaciousness, the way the surrounding darkness makes it much simpler to imagine the past.
We can't even begin to describe how much the absence of crowds alters the experience of visiting the Colosseum, which you can see twice daily.
This adds to the ambiance you'll have plenty of room to think aloud and turns a nighttime tour of the Colosseum into an amazing event.
In addition to being one of the busiest travel seasons, summertime in Rome may be extremely hot!
Summertime nights at the Colosseum are made even more enjoyable by the need to get away from the heat.
When you visit the Colosseum at night in June, it is wonderful to be able to appreciate the landmark without the oppressive heat of the day before.
Taking your pictures within the Colosseum at night is more challenging, especially if you want to be in it!
There is unquestionably a drawback to visiting the Colosseum at night if you're on a tight budget: it is far more expensive than going during the day!
This is particularly true if you would prefer to explore on your own instead of with a tour since visiting the Colosseum at night requires reservations for a tour.
One further benefit for budget-conscious tourists is that you can explore well-known landmarks during the day without scheduling a guided tour and simply booking a Colosseum audio tour.
At last, you can climb higher in the Colosseum during the day, up to the second tier at the moment (the third is closed day and night).
You can only go up to the first floor for the night tour.
Aside from the fact that you can't climb to the top tiers, the only drawback to coming at night is that it's more of an isolated experience.
Here are some pointers and additional details you should consider before visiting the Colosseum during the day or night.
The Colosseum has strict security measures in place to ensure visitor safety, just like any other large tourist destination. It is forbidden for visitors to bring bulky bags, luggage, or backpacks into the monument.
You won't be allowed admission if your travel bags are with you. Small and medium-sized bags are acceptable, however they must pass through a metal detector and be inspected by security staff.
Tickets for certain parts of the Colosseum, such as the underground display the requirement to present identification at the entrance.
Read the fine print on the ticket you received, and if necessary, bring formal identification with you on the day of the event.
An official ID is a passport or, if issued outside of the EU, a national identity card. Depending on who answers the door, copies might or might not be accepted, leaving you at risk of judgment.
The Colosseum is an archaeological site with many steps and uneven walking surfaces, yet it is also incredibly well-maintained and outfitted for tourists.
When visiting the Colosseum, the best footwear is well-made, broken-in walking shoes. Rubber-soled sneakers, runners, or walking sandals work well.
You will be outside for most of your tour of the Colosseum, so you must dress appropriately for the weather.
Summertime in this area can be extremely hot, so pack light, wear sunscreen, and wear a sun hat!
Wear a coat and scarf in the winter, especially if you plan to explore the amphitheater's underground section and then head to the Forum.
They become quite cold!
The Colosseum is surrounded by a wide variety of hotels, from five-star luxury marvels to more affordable choices.
They are a great choice, particularly if you are pressed for time but still want to see the Colosseum in Rome some of them offer stunning terraces with views that let you take in the amphitheater not only while you are there but also while you are eating breakfast or enjoying aperitivo!
So, which is better, day or night, in the Colosseum? This one is harder to answer because it depends on whether you have been to the Colosseum before, if you want to see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in one visit, or if you want to take a longer tour of the Colosseum.
You will also be able to see the upper level of the Colosseum during the day but you will not be able to have as good of a view of the Roman Forum from some of the upper tiers' arches.
Whether you opt for a day or night tour, keep the pros and cons in your mind and plan your trip accordingly. Don’t forget to book a self-guided tour to have a better experience of this marvelous architecture.
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