Rome's Colosseum | how to avoid the lines

The Colosseum (pictured in this AP photo by Andrew Medichini) is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions, and with good reason. Recently named in a new list of the seven wonders of the world, visitors to the Colosseum can experience an ancient 50,000 seat arena inaugurated in the year 80 CE by the Emporer Titus. But with 5 million visitors predicted to visit the Colossuem this year, long lines to buy tickets are a near certainty. Fortunately, there are now several ways to minimize the inconvenience.

You can buy your tickets in advance on the internet at this site. This is a new development, just announced today in the travel section of many newspapers. Tickets may be purchased up to 8 p.m. of the preceding day, and Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Currently, you will receive an emailed response with a reservation code to show to the cashier when you collect your tickets (but be sure to go to the Colosseum counter dedicated to internet bookings, not the long lines waiting at the regular ticket booths). In a few days the website will be updated to allow you to print your own tickets, allowing you to go straight to the entrance.

Alternatively, you can buy your ticket at the entrance to the Palatine Hill (just off the Forum). This tip is well-known in some circles. You will avoid the long Colosseum ticket lines altogether and simply wait in the much shorter lines at this less well-known attraction. The combination ticket gives you entry to both sites, and the Palatine Hill with its museum and archaeological remains is well worth the visit.


copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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