Colosseum

Italy showing heritage architecture, a ruin and night scenes
Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum


One of Rome's most famous landmarks, and one of the world's most notable monuments, no visitor to Rome should miss the opportunity to visit this iconic structure.

Originally completed eighty years after the birth of Christ, the Colosseum was the largest of the amphitheatres constructed by the Roman Empire, at one time regularly hosting 50,000 spectators for the sort of brutal entertainment that was depicted in the film “Gladiator”.The sturdiness of this ancient Roman structure is testified by the fact that is has survived earthquakes, stone thieves and car pollution to remain very much standing today at the core of contemporary Rome.When planning a visit to the Colosseum, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at the same time, as access to all three can be enjoyed within a morning or an afternoon. As one of Rome’s most popular tourist attraction, there are the inevitable queues to enter the Colosseum.Don’t let this put you off. It’s definitely worth the wait. As you enter the Colosseum, firstly you’ll be struck by the immense size and stature of this unique monument to Italy’s Roman Empire past. You can almost picture what it was like having to face the terrifying ordeals that were routine back in the time when the Roman Empire was the world’s most powerful political dynasty. Tours and audio guides are available to provide you with an insight into the era and the monument.The centrepiece of the interior is the hypogeum, which during the glory days of the Colosseum, was part of the subterranean network, above which the arena floor was once located. You can also see the winding network of underground tunnels where gladiators would await their fate within the main amphitheatre.The external edifice of the Colosseum contains three-tiered travertine arches. Viewing the structure from the outside gives a taster of how spectacular this piece of architecture really is. If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to see a concert during your visit. Some of the world’s most popular artists like to play in Rome with the Colosseum as a backdrop.The Colosseum is located in central Rome. Bus stops are nearby, as is the Colosseo Metro station.

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Things to do near Colosseum

While visiting the Colosseum, immerse yourself in a variety of activities, including guided tours of this iconic monument and nearby art exhibitions. Enhance your experience with shopping excursions, hop on a sightseeing bus for a comprehensive tour, or take day trips to Florence for a taste of its rich culture. These activities promise to make your stay in Rome both memorable and enjoyable.

Shopping

just 1.6km from the Colosseum, Testaccio Market offers a vibrant atmosphere with local produce and unique souvenirs. For a wider selection, Via Appia Nuova, located 3.2km away, features a mix of family-friendly shops and boutiques, perfect for gift hunting. Trionfale Market is also nearby, adding to your shopping experience.

Recreation

Stadio Flaminio, located 4.8km from the Colosseum, offers vibrant sports vibes perfect for energising workouts. Tre Fontane Stadium, 6.4km away, fosters a spirited atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Olympic Swimming Stadium, 4.8km away, provides family-friendly aquatic activities in a welcoming environment.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of e-goKart Roma, located 11.3km from the Colosseum, where you can race against friends on exciting tracks. For a splash of fun, visit Hydromania, a vibrant waterpark also 11.3km away, perfect for families seeking adventure. Alternatively, explore the scenic l'antica Ferrovia Dell'Allume, situated 4.8km from the Colosseum, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Colosseum offers a delightful blend of romance and culture. Enjoy a captivating performance at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, just 1.1km away, or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere at Teatro Brancaccio, 805m from the iconic landmark.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Colosseum

When visiting the Colosseum in Rome, you'll discover a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including charming churches, ancient ruins, and magnificent palaces. This iconic site offers an enriching outdoor experience for all travellers, whether you're seeking to explore the Roman Colosseum itself or the surrounding areas. Make the most of your visit to this remarkable landmark in Italy, where history and culture intertwine beautifully.

  • Roman Forum: A captivating site of ancient ruins, the Roman Forum is steeped in history and culture. Located 644m from the Colosseum, this once-bustling hub of Roman life offers a glimpse into the past with its impressive temples and arches.
  • Via del Corso: Stretching 1.1km from the Colosseum, Via del Corso is a vibrant thoroughfare that pulses with city life. Here, you can enjoy shopping, dining, and people-watching amidst the hustle and bustle of modern Rome.
  • Baths of Caracalla: Just 1.3km from the Colosseum, the Baths of Caracalla are an ancient hotspring that provide a unique outdoor wellness experience. Relax in this serene environment, where history and tranquillity meet.

Best time to go to Colosseum

The best time to visit Colosseum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Colosseum falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Colosseum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.3°F (26.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
August79.7°F (26.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
September72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Colosseum

To save money on your visit to the Colosseum, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January, February, or November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can lead to significant savings, especially if you stay on a Tuesday. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter for eco-friendly hotels and combine your bookings for flights and activities to secure better rates. Additionally, take advantage of Rome’s public transport options to explore the city affordably.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Colosseum are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Colosseum about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Colosseum is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Colosseum is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, it will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking near the Colosseum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.