How to Visit the Colosseum in 2024
While a return to “normal” is still a long way off, many of us are anxious to satisfy our wanderlust with a trip to Italy. As travel restrictions eventually loosen and air travel picks up, visiting Rome and the Colosseum will be at the top of many travelers’ to-do lists. New guidelines, protocols and procedures will be in place at the Colosseum, the following tips and information will help you better navigate and enjoy your Colosseum visit:
1. Get Online and Get Informed
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Colosseum has remained closed for a large portion of 2020 as well as into the new year. Anyone planning on traveling to Rome from outside Italy should check with their local government authorities for information regarding possible international travel restrictions.
We know that “reading up” on a destination can be overwhelming, so while we don’t recommend overdoing it...getting informed is still an important step to any successful trip. Be sure to check the Colosseum’s opening times so you can plan accordingly. The opening hours of the monument change throughout the year so, in order to avoid arriving just in time to see the gates close, make sure you allot enough time to visit the Colosseum.
The “new normal” at the Colosseum includes temperature checks, facial mask requirements and paperless ticket options. This will, of course, add to wait times as well as security checks so make sure to pack a little extra patience.
2. Not All Colosseum Tickets Are Equal
In addition to the standard ticket option, there are additional ticket options that allow visitors access to VIP areas of the Colosseum. Take time to look through the different ticket options before making your purchase. Visiting the Colosseum is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you want to visit the Colosseum Dungeons or the Arena Floor...you should!
3. Consider a Guided Tour
Rome is brimming with professional tour guides who are passionate about sharing their culture and knowledge. Experiencing the Colosseum with a guided tour is definitely worth it and will absolutely enhance your experience. There are guided tour options to fit every budget and interest level: whether you only have one hour to spend in the Colosseum or you are looking for an in-depth experience that includes the Colosseum Dungeons and Ancient City.
4. Book Experiences in Advance
Whatever your ideal Colosseum experience, booking in advance may be the only way to make sure it happens. Once you have determined the time of year, type of ticket and length of tour you would like, be sure to book your spot before it sells out. The Colosseum is one of the world’s most popular venues and tickets (especially VIP tickets) are limited. Most tour operators have generous cancellation/rescheduling policies that make the booking process worry-free.
5. Don’t Forget to Enjoy Yourself!
