Should I visit the Colosseum in the morning or the afternoon?
I’m planning to visit the Colosseum next month and can’t decide if it’s better to go in the morning or later in the day. I’ve read it gets crowded, but the photos look amazing in the afternoon light. What do you all recommend?
Morning for sure. If you can make it for the 8:30 AM opening, it’s much calmer. I went in June, and by 10:30 the place was packed and the sun was blazing. Early hours are perfect if you want decent photos without a ton of people in the background.
I did an afternoon visit last November, around 3 PM, and loved it. The sunlight hit the arches perfectly for photos, and crowds started thinning. Just remember the last entry is usually around an hour before closing, so don’t go too late.
Depends on the season. In summer, mornings win hands down — cooler and less chaotic. But when I went in February, the afternoon light made everything glow golden, and it wasn’t hot at all. So yeah, time it with the weather.
I went mid-afternoon once in July… never again 😅. The heat radiates off the stones, and there’s very little shade. My advice: if it’s summer, go early. If it’s spring or fall, late afternoon is fine and the lighting is amazing for photos.
For photography, the late afternoon wins. Around 4 PM, the shadows stretch across the arena floor — really dramatic. But if you’re doing a combo ticket with the Roman Forum, start in the morning. You’ll need several hours for all three sites.
I booked a 9 AM slot, and it was perfect. Got through security quickly, spent about 1.5 hours inside, and then walked over to Palatine Hill while it was still cool. By the time we left around noon, people were queuing in the sun.
If you’re into history more than photos, it doesn’t matter as much — just avoid 11 AM to 2 PM when group tours pile in. I usually book the last entry slot (around 4 PM in autumn). It’s quieter, and the golden-hour view from the top tier is unbeatable.
We went for the evening tour — technically not “afternoon,” but it was magical. Cooler air, spotlights on the stone, way fewer people. If you get the chance to do a night visit, go for it. It’s more expensive, but totally worth it.
Another tip: mornings are great if you want to combine your visit with a guided tour. Afternoon slots fill up fast for standard tickets, but tours usually start early. Also, bring water and a hat — there’s almost no shade inside.