The Colosseum is one of the most visited attractions in the world, welcoming around 6 million people every year.
With about 17,000 visitors per day but only 3,000 allowed inside at a time, getting in can take a while.
Long lines and big crowds can make your visit stressful, but with the right tips, you can save time and enjoy the experience.
Choosing the best entrance, visiting at the right time, and using skip-the-line options will make your trip much easier.
With a little planning, you can explore this ancient wonder without the hassle. Here’s how to beat the crowds and make the most of your visit!
Purchase skip-the-line tickets
Long queues at the Colosseum are a common issue, especially during peak tourist season, where waiting time can stretch from one to two hours just to get inside.
To avoid long lines at the Colosseum, purchase skip-the-line tickets online.
When you buy your Colosseum tickets online, you skip the long queues at the ticket counters and enter through the main gate quickly.
Booking your tickets in advance also ensures you get your preferred time slot.
Buy This TicketEnter through the Palatine Hill
Did you know your Colosseum ticket also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill? Most visitors don’t take full advantage of this and head straight to the Colosseum, often stuck in long lines.
A smarter way to explore is to start at Palatine Hill. It’s usually much quieter, especially in the morning, giving you a more relaxed experience. Plus, the walk up is gentle and shaded, making it a comfortable way to begin your visit.
From the top, you’ll get stunning views of the Roman Forum before making your way down through its ancient ruins. This route helps you understand the area well before reaching the Colosseum.
By the time you arrive, you’ll enter through a less crowded exit gate instead of waiting in line at the busy main entrance. This simple trick can save you time and make your visit much more enjoyable!
Book a guided tour and use a separate entrance
Booking a guided tour is one of the best ways to skip the long lines at the Colosseum!
With a tour ticket, you’ll enter through the Stern Entrance—a much quieter gate—so you can get inside faster and avoid the crowds.
Your guide will take you through the Colosseum, sharing fascinating stories and history along the way.
Some tours even give you special access to areas like the Arena Floor or the Underground, which regular tickets don’t include.
Plus, your guided tour ticket also covers the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so you can explore all three sites without waiting in multiple lines.
Buy This TicketRelated Read: How long does it take to visit the Colosseum?
Go when there are fewer crowds
Visiting the Colosseum at the right time can make a big difference.
The best times to go are early in the morning, right when it opens at 8:30 AM, or later in the evening before closing.
During peak season, spring breaks, and school holidays, the Colosseum stays open until 7:15 PM, with the last entry an hour before closing.
Arriving later in the day helps avoid the busiest hours and makes for a more relaxed visit.
Sunset and night tours offer an even quieter experience. With the Colosseum glowing in the evening light, the atmosphere feels more magical, and the crowds are much smaller.
Visit during the weekdays
The Colosseum is much less crowded from Monday to Thursday, making these the best days to visit.
Weekdays generally have fewer visitors than weekends, which means shorter lines and a more relaxed experience.
However, during peak season, even weekdays can be busy, so it’s best to plan ahead to avoid the rush.
Get City Passes
City passes are a great way to save money and skip long lines at popular attractions.
They offer discounted entry to top sites and include fast-track access, making sightseeing easier and less stressful.
The Roma Pass lets you use a priority access line at the Colosseum, which is much faster than the regular queue.
The Rome City Tourist Card gives fast-track entry to major attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Buy This PassVisit during shoulder months
The best times to explore the Colosseum is during the shoulder months—April, May, September, October, and November.
These months fall between the busy peak season and the quieter off-season, offering a perfect mix of good weather and smaller crowds.
Visiting during this time makes for a more relaxed experience, with fewer tourists and shorter lines.
The cooler temperatures also make walking around the Colosseum and nearby sites much more comfortable.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
To avoid crowds at the Colosseum, consider visiting on weekdays, during the shoulder months, early in the morning, or just before closing.
Are guided tours a good option for avoiding crowds?
It is a recommended option to avoid crowds since all guided tours of the Colosseum come with skip the line access and a guide to help you navigate. Even some entry tickets come with skip-the-line access.
Can I visit the Colosseum without advance booking?
Yes, you can visit the Colosseum without advance booking. However, due to its popularity and large crowds, you will likely encounter long queues at the ticket counter, making your trip less enjoyable and more time-consuming.
Are there any specific times or days when the Colosseum is less crowded?
The Colosseum is less crowded from Monday to Thursday. You can also expect reduced crowds at 8.30 am when the gates open and after 4 pm, before the place closes at 7.15 pm.
