Our Colosseum Experience

The Colosseum was our first major stop in Rome, and beginning our Roman adventure here felt incredibly special. Our interest in visiting was partly inspired by Russell Crowe’s Gladiator. We had watched the movie and imagined the world of gladiators, ancient Rome, and the enormous spectacles that once took place in this arena. But standing in front of the Colosseum was an entirely different experience. Seeing its massive stone walls up close and walking through the ancient structure made it much easier for us to visualize what life and entertainment might have been like nearly 2,000 years ago.

As part of our visit, we purchased a €12-per-person ticket to enter the Colosseum. We were fortunate to get our tickets without booking far in advance, but if you are planning a visit, we would recommend arranging your entry or guided tour ahead of time. A guided tour is especially worthwhile here. Having someone explain the history while you are actually standing inside the Colosseum makes the ruins come alive in a way that simply walking through them cannot.

The Colosseum is divided into several areas, including the underground, arena level, first and second levels, and upper tiers, although access depends on the type of ticket you purchase.

Exploring the Arena and Underground

One of the most fascinating parts for us was seeing the arena area and the underground hypogeum. The underground was a network of tunnels and rooms beneath the arena where gladiators, animals, and equipment were kept before being brought into the spectacles above. Looking down into these remains gave us a glimpse into the complex organization behind the enormous events that once entertained Roman crowds.

The arena floor also helps visitors understand what it must have felt like to stand inside the amphitheater. Part of the original arena has been reconstructed, giving visitors a better sense of the space and providing views into the underground structures below.

A View Toward the Arch of Constantine

From the second level of the Colosseum, we also enjoyed a wonderful view of the Arch of Constantine, located just outside the amphitheater. Standing above the ancient arena gave us a different perspective of the monument and the surrounding archaeological landscape. From this height, we could see the impressive three-arched monument framed against the Colosseum, creating a scene that beautifully connected two important pieces of ancient Roman history. We took some time to enjoy the view and capture a few photographs before continuing our exploration.

Walking Around the Colosseum

After exploring inside, we took some time to walk around the outside of the Colosseum. This turned out to be just as enjoyable because every angle offered a different perspective of the massive structure. We walked around its exterior, stopping frequently for photographs and taking in the details of the arches, weathered stone, and enormous scale.

If you have time, don’t rush away after leaving the building. Walking around the Colosseum from the outside takes only about 15–20 minutes, but we found ourselves stopping much longer because there were so many opportunities to photograph it from different angles. Seeing it from outside, after experiencing it from within, gave us a much better appreciation of just how remarkable this ancient amphitheater really is.

More Than Just the Colosseum

Our visit to the Colosseum also gave us a starting point for understanding the larger Roman landscape surrounding it. From there, we continued toward the nearby Arch of Constantine and Roman Forum, with Palatine Hill and Arch of Titus rising beyond them. Walking into the Roman Forum, we found ourselves surrounded by ancient ruins and towering columns that once stood at the heart of Rome’s political, religious, and commercial life. The springtime wisteria caught our attention, adding beautiful splashes of color against the weathered stone and creating some memorable photographs. As we walked among the ruins, it was fascinating to imagine the crowds, ceremonies, and daily activities that once filled these spaces thousands of years ago.

Lessons We Learned at the Colosseum

• Take a guided tour: Our guide brought the history to life and helped us better understand the arena and its ruins.
• Book in advance: Because the Colosseum uses timed entry, and popular time slots can sell out—especially during peak travel periods. 
• No tripods: Tripods aren’t allowed inside, so be prepared to photograph handheld.
• Watch your belongings: The Colosseum gets very crowded, so keep an eye on your wallet, phone, and camera gear.
• Take your time: Don’t rush. Stop, look around, take photographs, and imagine what the Colosseum was like nearly 2,000 years ago.