Pros and cons of the Colosseum Night Tour
Undoubtedly, there are certain unique drawbacks to visiting the Colosseum at night as opposed to during the day, as much as we enjoyed exploring the site after it closed for the day.
This is particularly true if you're visiting Rome for the first time and have never been to the Colosseum!
When determining whether it’s better to see the Colosseum at night, take into account these important benefits and drawbacks.
The Pros
The atmosphere is great
It is impossible to stress how wonderful the Colosseum's nighttime ambiance is, and it is the main reason to schedule a night tour.
There is nothing quite like the mood inside the Colosseum after hours—the silence, the spaciousness, the way the surrounding darkness makes it much simpler to imagine the past.
Very few people will be witness to the experience.
We can't even begin to describe how much the absence of crowds alters the experience of visiting the Colosseum, which you can see twice daily.
This adds to the ambiance you'll have plenty of room to think aloud and turns a nighttime tour of the Colosseum into an amazing event.
It's not too hot a crucial factor in the summer.
In addition to being one of the busiest travel seasons, summertime in Rome may be extremely hot!
Summertime nights at the Colosseum are made even more enjoyable by the need to get away from the heat.
When you visit the Colosseum at night in June, it is wonderful to be able to appreciate the landmark without the oppressive heat of the day before.
The Cons
It's more difficult to take the standard pictures.
Taking your pictures within the Colosseum at night is more challenging, especially if you want to be in it!
It is more expensive.
There is unquestionably a drawback to visiting the Colosseum at night if you're on a tight budget: it is far more expensive than going during the day!
This is particularly true if you would prefer to explore on your own instead of with a tour since visiting the Colosseum at night requires reservations for a tour.
One further benefit for budget-conscious tourists is that you can explore well-known landmarks during the day without scheduling a guided tour and simply booking a Colosseum audio tour.
Access to the building
At last, you can climb higher in the Colosseum during the day, up to the second tier at the moment (the third is closed day and night).
You can only go up to the first floor for the night tour.
Aside from the fact that you can't climb to the top tiers, the only drawback to coming at night is that it's more of an isolated experience.
Tips and things you should know for your visit
Here are some pointers and additional details you should consider before visiting the Colosseum during the day or night.
Safety
The Colosseum has strict security measures in place to ensure visitor safety, just like any other large tourist destination. It is forbidden for visitors to bring bulky bags, luggage, or backpacks into the monument.
You won't be allowed admission if your travel bags are with you. Small and medium-sized bags are acceptable, however they must pass through a metal detector and be inspected by security staff.
Ensure you carry identification
Tickets for certain parts of the Colosseum, such as the underground display the requirement to present identification at the entrance.
Read the fine print on the ticket you received, and if necessary, bring formal identification with you on the day of the event.
An official ID is a passport or, if issued outside of the EU, a national identity card. Depending on who answers the door, copies might or might not be accepted, leaving you at risk of judgment.
Put on appropriate footwear.
The Colosseum is an archaeological site with many steps and uneven walking surfaces, yet it is also incredibly well-maintained and outfitted for tourists.
When visiting the Colosseum, the best footwear is well-made, broken-in walking shoes. Rubber-soled sneakers, runners, or walking sandals work well.
Get ready for the weather
You will be outside for most of your tour of the Colosseum, so you must dress appropriately for the weather.
Summertime in this area can be extremely hot, so pack light, wear sunscreen, and wear a sun hat!
Wear a coat and scarf in the winter, especially if you plan to explore the amphitheater's underground section and then head to the Forum.
They become quite cold!
Remain close by
The Colosseum is surrounded by a wide variety of hotels, from five-star luxury marvels to more affordable choices.
They are a great choice, particularly if you are pressed for time but still want to see the Colosseum in Rome some of them offer stunning terraces with views that let you take in the amphitheater not only while you are there but also while you are eating breakfast or enjoying aperitivo!
Final Words
So, which is better, day or night, in the Colosseum? This one is harder to answer because it depends on whether you have been to the Colosseum before, if you want to see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in one visit, or if you want to take a longer tour of the Colosseum.
You will also be able to see the upper level of the Colosseum during the day but you will not be able to have as good of a view of the Roman Forum from some of the upper tiers' arches.
Whether you opt for a day or night tour, keep the pros and cons in your mind and plan your trip accordingly. Don’t forget to book a self-guided tour to have a better experience of this marvelous architecture.
English
EUR