The days in Rome can become rather warm, especially in July and August, so I do advise getting up early, around 8:00 a.m. (and yes, everyone else does as well; unless you really enjoy the heat, you can visit later).
But first, let me give you some background information on The Colosseum, one of the seven “new wonders of the world,” before I explain how to visit it during your three days in Rome.
The Colosseum is the world’s biggest Amphitheatre. It lies close to Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills that make up Rome, and was constructed in AD72 on an order from Emperor Vespasian. It could accommodate 80,000 spectators, but when you go there in the summer, it sometimes seems like there are just as many visitors.
This was the place where Romans went to have fun during the height of the Roman empire. The Colosseum’s centre, known as the arena, was covered in sand to collect the blood of injured animals and the gladiators who used to battle here for their freedom. Before the Roman Empire collapsed and the historical site was looted and damaged by earthquakes, the games were held here for nearly 500 years.
I could honestly talk about this location for twenty minutes, and I used to when I worked as a tour guide.
But first, let’s go over how to purchase a Colosseum ticket. The ticket allows access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, as do all the methods described below. The underground and the arena may also be seen with a special ticket, which is particularly exciting because they were just made accessible to the public in 2021.
You can purchase a regular ticket, a ticket for the entire experience, a priority skip-the-line ticket, or lastly, a ticket for a guided tour.
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – Buy the entrance ticket online
Right now, you must purchase the ticket online; you cannot do so at the Colosseum or Roman Forum office. Adults pay a usual ticket price of 16 euros + 2 euros for online booking. It is effective for a full day.
Entry is free for those under 18 and costs just 2€ if you have an EU ID or passport and are between the ages of 18 and 25.
The best way to visit Colosseum during your three days in Rome is on a guided tour. You won’t have to wait in a long queue to enter thanks to the tour. As you will learn the history and fascinating facts during your guided tour, you will make the most of your time and unquestionably have the best experience. You’ll have time to take pictures and won’t miss any significant locations.
The Colosseum’s Top 3 Guided Tours
- Rome: Colosseum with Underground, Arena & Forum Tour
The greatest all-inclusive tour option is this one. Get exclusive access to Colosseum spaces including the Underground, Arena, and upper levels for breathtaking views that aren’t accessible with a standard ticket. At the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, you can discover more about daily life.
- Fast Track Colosseum, Arena Floor, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Pass through the gladiators’ gate to gain exclusive access to the arena floor. The gladiators’ training dungeons will also be visible to you. Learn about the lives of those who lived more than 2,000 years ago and the political dramas that took place. Finally, proceed to Palatine Hill, the site of Romulus’ new city.
Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill as part of a guided tour. As you visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, the social epicentre of the Ancient Romans, and the founding hill, allow your guide to bring their history to life. Amazing Colosseum views may be had from Palatine Hill. NOTE: The upper floor, arena, and underworld are not included in this tour.
You get free entry to the Colosseum with the Roman Pass, the Best of Roman All Access Pass or the Omnia Vatican & Roma Card.
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
You might have the afternoon free, depending on the tour choice you select to see the Colosseum or Roman Forum. Although the Roman Forum and the ascent to Palatine Hill are both included in the ticket price, there is always more to see there even if you have taken a guided tour.
Rome and the Roman Empire’s social life and commerce were centred on the Roman Forum. It wasn’t discovered until the 1890s. Temples, the senate, the Septimus arch, and even Julias Caesar’s grave are all located there. It’s interesting to see that the entire city is situated below the current Rome; I suppose they just kept adding structures on top of one other.
There is so much to see today, and the heat will generally get to you. Today is always a big day. Take a rest if necessary, and after you arrive in the Roman forum, you have a few options for what to do next:
A. You can visit the Trajan Column, the Markets, and the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument.
B. If you’re willing to go more, you can head further south to see Bocca del Verita and Caracalla Baths.
Although it may seem like you’re picking your own adventure, I believe it’s important to have options because everyone has varying levels of energy. This three-day plan for Rome can be demanding, but you can always take it slower or add more activities. So, these are your afternoon options.
I do advise returning to your hotel later in the day for a shower or refreshment before changing for a beautiful evening in Trastevere for supper and drinks.
- Trajan Market and Column
You will be extremely close to the Trojan Column and Trojan Markets if you depart the Roman Forum on the side that is next to the Vittorio Emanual Monument.
Trajan’s Market is a huge collection of ruins, but it provides an excellent understanding of how Rome operated. Fruit, vegetables, fish, wine, and oil were among the main items offered at the market that would have been sourced from all across the empire.
One of the most recognisable historical structures to have endured from the second century is the Trajan Column. Look closely at the column’s intricacies to see how the reliefs depict wars that took place in Dacia, modern-day Romania.
- Bocca del Verita (Mouth of Truth)
The Mouth of Truth will be recalled if you have ever seen Roman Holiday. Essentially a marble mask on a wall that, if you lie, will bite your hand! Okay, so it’s just a myth, but it’s still a fantastic spot for pictures. More so since that is close to your next stop.
- Terme di Caracalla (Baths of Carcalla)
The Roman Baths are just another illustration of how shrewdly the Romans constructed their towns. not only in Rome but also throughout the huge Roman Empire. In Libya’s Leptis Magna, I visited some of the most beautiful Roman Baths.
One of the largest baths in Rome, the Baths of Caracalla functioned as a gathering place for Roman society. Spend some time visiting this area; once again, it’s best to have a reliable guidebook (we suggest Lonely Planet’s guide) or to purchase the audio tour.
- Trastevere for Dinner
My Roman friend helped me find a decent Italian restaurant on my first trip to Rome. He directed me towards Trastevere. The majority of people eating then were locals who were not disturbed. The food is still authentic, and this is where all the foodies go to eat, even though things have changed since then and there are undoubtedly many visitors here.
It feels different from the historic centre where everyone seems to be focused on sightseeing and eating in between, where most people come here to eat.
Make sure to come out here for dinner or at the very least a drink if you could alter your three days in Rome just a little. The only form of public transport is a bus, so using a taxi is your best bet.
The major Basilica on the Piazza di Santa Maria serves as the focal point of this exquisitely Roman neighbourhood. You can stroll the little, cobblestoned streets, passing by little Vespas parked on the side, and in the evening, little wine bars will appear out of nowhere.
Most likely, you’ll dine and sip a few wines to cap off your second day in Rome, but if you feel the need to work off your supper, you may stroll across to the Tiber Island. While there are a few restaurants on this small island in the Tiber River, it is lovely to visit during the summer for some pop-up bars.