Mecenate Deluxe Colosseum

You can feel the history as you walk through the heart of Rome. The Colosseum is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen, though it gets extremely crowded on holidays and during peak season. Bring water and check your ticket details ahead of time.

The guided tour, including the lower levels, was a highlight. We went in June, when it was sunny, hot and humid, and the crowds were noticeable but not uncomfortable. The history is unbelievable, yet absolutely true. Our tour in the Colosseum lasted about 2 hours, and I wished we’d had longer to read and hear more stories about what we were seeing. I’d allow more than two hours there. Book tickets in advance, whether you’re taking a guide or exploring on your own. Even with a guided tour, the ticket is valid all day, so you can stay or come back the same day. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

The visit meant even more because we also had time to walk through Palatine Hill and the nearby attractions, taking in the ruins and their history. The area felt well organized, with so much to see. I went last month with my brother, and seeing the Colosseum in person was unforgettable. Photos and videos don’t compare with standing inside and imagining life there centuries ago. It was one of the highlights of our Italy trip, and a must-see in Rome.

Seeing the Colosseum at night is lovely too, all lit up from the outside, and a walk around it in the evening is worthwhile. Inside, the atmosphere and scale of Ancient Rome feel very different from photos online. It’s one of Rome’s most impressive historic sites, and worth seeing at least once. After movies and documentaries, the size, architecture and history are still something else in person. For tickets, the Full Experience option usually appears about 1 month before the visit date. Another Full Experience option, without the Underground, is usually released about 7 days ahead. Buying directly around those times is better, since reseller sites and tour companies may charge several times more. Arriving about 15 minutes early was enough for us, and entry was organized, not as chaotic as we expected. A photo of an ID card or passport on my phone was enough for us.