TOP TIPS for Colosseum trips: Surge expected to top last year’s sell-out of 15 million visitors.

Don't expect an empty Colosseum.

Are you sending clients to Rome this summer? Then now is the time to start booking their tours, tickets and excursions to avoid disappointment when they arrive.

That’s the advice of Through Eternity Tours which says that Rome’s big-ticket sites are already selling out, especially at the weekends.

Last year, the Colosseum welcomed a staggering 14.7 million visitors (an increase of 20 per cent), cementing its position as the No.1 tourist attraction in all of Italy. For comparison, the Vatican, the second most visited art museum in the world after the Louvre, welcomed just 6.8 million visitors.

The top tip if you’re sending clients to Rome this year is to plan ahead and book their tickets well in advance. In 2019, the Colosseum capped visitor numbers to 3,000 at any given time to preserve the historical site while allowing visitors to experience it.

While it preserves the integrity of the site, allowing visitors to have a more pleasant experience, the drawback is that unorganised travellers find themselves disappointed when they arrive at the Colosseum without a reservation, only to discover that all the tickets are sold out for the day.

Ticket queue for Colosseum in Rome.

Top ticketing tips

If you are booking tickets to Rome and are sending clients to the Colosseum, here are some practical tips for them.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes: There are a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Ditch the flimsy sandals or flip-flops and don a pair of sneakers.A refillable water bottle: There are multiple water fountains inside the Colosseum and Forum. There’s even a water station that dispenses sparkling water.

Fancy!Sun protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, especially during the summer, as there’s very little shade.Your ID! As of 2023, Colosseum tickets became nominative to prevent ticket scalping.

This means your name is on your ticket, and you need to show your ID to get in. And yes, they do check!

What to leave in your hotel

Big bags: Large backpacks, wheeled luggage, and tripods are generally not allowed inside, and there are no storage facilities. A small crossbody or day bag is ideal.Strollers: Visiting the Colosseum with a stroller is possible, but it comes with some challenges.

Uneven surfaces, crowds, and stairs (there are limited elevator facilities) make for a physically demanding experience. Top tip? Bring a baby carrier instead.

If you must bring a stroller opt for light-weight foldable model and something with sturdy wheels for all those cobbles!

Should You Take a Tour?

Undoubtedly, the most stress-free way to visit the Colosseum is on a guided tour. Forget about sourcing hard-to-get tickets, figuring out what to bring, or where to pick up your reservation. Your expert guide will meet you, whisk you through security, and have all your entrance tickets pre-arranged.

Once inside, your guide knows the best routes around this vast amphitheater and can show you where all the hidden treasures can be found!

The Colosseum is a sprawling archaeological site (about 2.5ha over several levels) – there’s little in the way of signposting or on-site explanations for what you are seeing. Unless you’re an archaeologist, it can be tricky to figure out what you’re looking at.

source - travelweekly.com.au