The Trick To Seeing One Of Rome's Most Popular Tourist Destinations With Few Crowds
Italy is one of the best countries in the world for tourists. It's full of gorgeous natural landscapes like the rocky cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, sparkling lakes nestled among the Italian Alps, and the rolling hills of Tuscany. The beloved boot-shaped country is also home to some of the world's most famous cities, where travelers can enjoy all the art, culture, cuisine, and history their hearts desire. Among Italy's major cities, Rome reigns supreme. It's the perfect vacation destination for history buffs, foodies, art enthusiasts, and lovers of Italian culture.
Rome is full of incredible ancient ruins, gorgeous architecture, and picturesque neighborhoods where travelers can get a taste of the dolce vita. It's no wonder that the Eternal City attracted more than 15 million tourists in 2022 alone. Since it sits at the top of many travelers' bucket lists, you should expect to have to deal with crowds during your visit to Rome, especially if your trip falls during the summer months, which is Italy's peak tourist season. Even though it's crowded, Rome is well worth visiting. It's one of the top cities that you should see in your lifetime. With a bit of planning, you can even ensure that you are able to visit some of the city's most popular attractions without hordes of other tourists, particularly the iconic Colosseum. By booking a night tour of the Colosseum, you'll have exclusive VIP access to one of Rome's most popular tourist hot spots.
Visiting Rome's ancient wonder at night
The Colosseum is an ancient circular amphitheater located in the center of Rome. Construction began around 70 A.D., and the structure has stood for nearly 2,000 years. It encompasses around 5 acres and remains the world's largest amphitheater. The massive complex was used for ancient Roman games and entertainment, including gladiator fights and animal hunts, and it had a capacity for over 50,000 people. It's one of the best sites to visit in Italy for ancient history lovers.
Today, the Colosseum is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it is visited by more than 4 million people each year. During Italy's tourist season, the Colosseum can often receive 20,000 visitors each day. While there is plenty of space to spread out in the massive amphitheater, the crowds can be quite overwhelming. By booking a night tour of the Colosseum, you'll be able to experience the phenomenal ancient landmark in a smaller group of about 25 people. The tours often feature exciting behind-the-scenes access. Several different companies offer night tours with durations ranging from an hour to about 2.5 hours. The cost for a night tour starts at around $25 per person, making it an affordable option to experience the crowd-free Colosseum. As an added bonus, you'll be able to avoid the daytime heat.
More ways to avoid the crowds in Rome
The Colosseum night tours are the best way to experience Rome's most popular tourist attraction, but if you're unable to score a spot, you still have some options when it comes to avoiding the worst of the crowds. If you're visiting the Colosseum during the day, arrive as early as possible and purchase a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time. Alternatively, you can visit in the late afternoon before it closes for the day. You can also book a private guided tour of the underground with guides who are experts in archaeology. The only way to visit the tunnels underneath the Colosseum is via a guided tour. Visitors are not permitted to explore on their own.
Visiting Rome during the off-season is another good idea. You'll find a much more authentic version of the city when it's not overcrowded with tourists. Popular attractions like the Colosseum are open year-round, so you don't have to worry about it being closed during the down season. The winter months tend to be the least crowded in Rome. Regardless of when you choose to visit, a trip to the Colosseum should not be skipped even if you only have a one-day trip. Exploring the ancient amphitheater is an unforgettable experience.