Best time to visit Rome

Colosseum in Rome

Outsmart the crowds, while visiting top attraction of the city

Best time: November–February (all year round)

Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum

The Roman Colosseum or Coliseum (Colosseo in Italian), originally the Flavian Amphitheatre, is the largest monument of its kind and the most outstanding landmark in the city of Rome. It used to have the capacity to accommodate 55,000 spectators. Constructed back in the 1st century by emperor Vespasian and his successor Titus, it remains a magnetic token of millennial history with a strong sense of bloody gladiatorial times.

While visiting Rome, one can't go past without dropping by. The constant issue at the Colosseum is crowdedness. As the site is largely popular, the queues are always there. Though you can't avoid the lines completely, you're still in power of making your waiting time shorter and visit the monument with fewer people.

First of all, choose the off-season between November and February, when tourists are generally fewer in Rome. Christmas and New Year's Eve don't count. January wins as the least crowded month in the Roman Colosseum.

Secondly, the daytime matters. The best time to come is either with the first or last entry. Colosseum opens at 8:30 am, but make sure to come earlier. The monument closes one hour before sunset. If you follow our advice and come in low season, note the day is much shorter than in summer, so Colosseum might be closed by 5 pm. In general, tourist flow is always greater at around noon and thins out by the evening. An hour or two before the last admission will work well.

To skip the lines, you could also buy the Roma Pass which provides access to other monuments as well; or book a guided tour to the Colosseum from the official guides. If you're into special experiences, consider going on a night tour.

The most enchanting experience must be the underground tour of the Colosseum. Colosseum dungeon tour takes you to the restricted areas of the underground where animals and gladiators used to be kept before the fights. However, this option is available mostly in spring, summer, and autumn months. In wintertime, these tours run on weekends.

After all, if you can't make it from November to February, at least try to avoid summer months, June to August, as these are not only the most touristy months, but also the heat is atrocious.

Practical info

When is the Roman Colosseum less crowded?

The Roman Colosseum is less crowded during the months of November to February, particularly in January when tourist traffic is at its lowest. Visitors should aim to enter during the first or last admission time slot with fewer tourists arriving at noon and thinning out in the evening. Lower crowds make for a more enjoyable visit to this historical landmark. Show more

Where is the best place to buy tickets for the Colosseum?

Tickets to the Colosseum can be purchased online or on-site at the ticket office or other nearby ticket booths to avoid lines. Additionally, the Roma Pass combo ticket provides additional access to other monuments. Visitors can also book an authorized guided tour to avoid lines and save time getting into the Colosseum. Show more

What are the optimal times of day to visit the Colosseum?

To minimize crowds, visitors should plan to visit the Colosseum either during the first or last admission slot of the day. The Colosseum opens at 8:30 am and closes one hour before sunset. Tourist traffic is particularly busy around noon and begins to thin out towards the evening. One should aim for a visit one to two hours before the last admission to experience the Roman Colosseum at its best. Show more

Are winter underground tours of the Colosseum available?

Underground tours of the Colosseum are available during the winter months; however, they run only on weekends. From spring through autumn months, underground tours run regularly. Underground tours provide a unique experience for history buffs, taking them to the restricted underground areas where animals and gladiators were kept before fights. Winter visitors can purchase tickets for a weekend underground tour to explore this fascinating part of the historical landmark. Show more

Is a Colosseum night tour worthwhile?

A Colosseum night tour provides a unique and exciting experience different from daytime tours. Visitors will see the monument illuminated and have the chance to explore hidden areas, including underground tunnels, with panoramic views of the city from the top. Night tours begin at twilight and last for about two hours. This experience is a must-try for people wanting to see the Roman Colosseum in a unique light. Show more

Ask a question

Find hotels and airbnbs near Colosseum (Map)

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin